Emily Thomas Foundation

📚 Alabama’s Reading Crisis: Thousands of Children Falling Behind

This year, more than 4,700 third graders across Alabama are being held back because they haven’t reached the required reading level. That’s nearly 1 in 12 children statewide.

Reading by third grade is a critical milestone — it’s the bridge between learning to read and reading to learn. When a child falls behind here, it impacts every subject that follows, and can shape their future in powerful ways.

Some districts, like Hoover and Jasper, show that strong intervention programs work. With extra tutors, reading camps, and family support, they’ve reduced retention to just a handful of students. But in many areas, children are slipping through the cracks.

💡 This is not just a school issue — it’s a community issue. Together, we can:

Volunteer time to help with reading programs.

Donate books and resources to after-school and summer programs.

Advocate for stronger support systems for struggling readers.

Encourage families to stay engaged with summer reading opportunities.

Every child deserves the chance to succeed. 🌟

More than 4,700 students in Alabama to repeat the 3rd grade WBRC now knows how many third graders did not move on to the fourth grade this school year- because they scored below reading level on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reading exam even after retaking the exam during summer camp.

Kendra Scott Fundraiser Information coming soon!