The Little Rock School Board recently reviewed the results of the state’s standardized testing system, ATLAS, which showed that many students are struggling in reading, math, and science. Only about 30% of students are reading at grade level proficiency from third to tenth grades, while scores in math and science also indicated concerning trends in attainment. The ATLAS exam, introduced in 2024, measures both proficiency and growth, with the Little Rock School District showing growth in some key areas.
Despite these challenges, the district saw improvements in student performance through the Ignite Reading program, led by Superintendent Jermall Wright. This program, which provides one-on-one tutoring to K-2 students, showed significant results in closing reading skill gaps in the 2023-2024 school year. Currently, 350 first, second, and third grade students are participating in the program, with the majority being African American and Latino students.
The effectiveness of the Ignite Reading program aligns with the board’s goal to close the race gap in student achievement, with 77% of students in the program exceeding their reading skill goals. The partnership with Ignite Reading has proven to be beneficial in improving student outcomes and closing the achievement gap within the Little Rock School District. Future efforts will continue to focus on ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically.
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