News Summary
Arizona has unveiled the AZ Literacy Plan 2030, aimed at improving reading proficiency among young students. With only 39% of third graders currently reading at a proficient level, the plan seeks to raise this to 72% by 2030. Key strategies include increasing literacy coaches, training K-5 educators in the Science of Reading, and addressing chronic absenteeism. By implementing structured frameworks and enhancing early learning opportunities, Arizona aims to empower students and ensure their literacy success.
Phoenix – In a concerted effort to tackle the low reading proficiency rates among young students, Arizona has introduced the AZ Literacy Plan 2030. Currently, only 39% of third graders in the state are reading at a proficient level. The initiative aims to significantly improve this figure to 72% by the year 2030, establishing a systematic approach to elevate literacy outcomes statewide.
The AZ Literacy Plan 2030 is a collaborative initiative involving key state agencies, including the Governor’s Office, the Arizona Department of Education, the Arizona State Board of Education, and Read On Arizona. By focusing on enhancing literacy support and services in schools, the plan lays out a structured framework to boost reading proficiency over the next five years.
Terri Clark, the literacy director for Read On Arizona, emphasized that research shows that with proper support, 95% or more of children can learn to read. To facilitate this support, the Arizona Department of Education is increasing funding for literacy coaches, a resource crucial for training teachers and helping struggling students.
An example of this positive trend can be seen in the Pendergast Elementary School District, which has tripled its number of literacy coaches from one to three in just a year. This move demonstrates a heightened commitment to providing educators with the necessary tools to improve student literacy performance.
The literacy plan draws inspiration from successful programs in southern states, particularly Mississippi, which made significant gains in reading proficiency by strategically deploying 75 literacy coaches across the state. Arizona plans to replicate this successful model to enhance literacy outcomes for its students.
One of the key components of the AZ Literacy Plan is the goal to train all K-5 educators in the Science of Reading by 2028. The Science of Reading represents an interdisciplinary body of research that leads to effective instructional strategies for teaching reading and writing. Additionally, the plan includes a targeted approach called Structured Literacy for teaching reading and writing.
The AZ Literacy Plan also addresses chronic absenteeism, which has escalated significantly in Arizona, affecting 24% of schoolchildren last year, nearly double the 13% figure recorded before the pandemic. The initiative aims to reduce chronic absence rates back to pre-pandemic levels by 2030. Supporting struggling students is a top priority of the plan, which will feature additional programming designed to reduce absenteeism.
The plan outlines several specific milestones to be achieved over the next few years. By 2026, Arizona plans to increase the number of literacy coaches to 50. By 2027, every school in the state will be required to use high-quality reading materials. By 2028, training in the Science of Reading will be standardized for all K-5 teachers. By 2029, preschool investments will be identified to further support literacy goals, with an emphasis on providing quality early learning opportunities.
Currently, only 32% of early learners have access to quality early education, with a goal to raise this number to 45% by 2030. In addition, Arizona’s “Move on When Reading” legislation is designed to ensure that early identification and intervention strategies are in place for struggling readers in grades K-3.
Educators across Arizona are encouraged to adopt evidence-based practices to accurately identify student needs and foster improvement in literacy rates. The AZ Literacy Plan 2030 also emphasizes the importance of collaboration among families, teachers, and schools to effectively support students’ reading development.
As Arizona embarks on this ambitious literacy initiative, the focus remains on building a comprehensive and effective support system to empower students with the reading skills they need to succeed in their educational journeys and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- ABC15 News
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Queen Creek Tribune
- Google Search: Arizona Literacy
- City Sun Times
- Google Scholar: Arizona Literacy Plan
- KTAR News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reading Proficiency
- AZ Central
- Google News: Arizona Literacy Initiative
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
