Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Literacy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District reports gains in K–3 literacy screening; kindergarten on‑level share rises to 40%
Summary
District staff reported year‑over‑year growth in beginning‑of‑year literacy screening: kindergarten on‑level share rose to 40% from 27% a year earlier; first, second and third grades also showed percentage gains, which staff attributed to scripted interventions and literacy mentors.
A district literacy presentation on Oct. 14 reported measurable gains in early‑grade literacy across the St. Bernard Parish School System. The presenter said kindergarten students scoring on or above grade level increased to 40% this year from 27% in 2024. "We're really excited about the growth that we're seeing in our students," the presenter said, attributing progress to teachers, scripted intervention programs, literacy mentors and parent engagement.
The presenter provided cohort comparisons: first grade rose from 55% to 64%; second grade from 56% to 68%; and third grade from 63% to 67%. The district has used the DIBELS 8 assessment for several years and staff said the change to that instrument anticipated stronger diagnostic rigor. Board members asked whether the cohorts benefiting most were those exposed earliest to the state’s renewed focus on literacy; staff said cohorts currently in second grade would have been the first to experience intensified district literacy efforts.
Board members praised teachers and interventionists for the gains and asked the district to continue monitoring progress toward improved LEAP results at older grades. The presenter noted continuing professional development and parent engagement work to support phonemic awareness in pre‑K and kindergarten.
