In a strategic push to reshape Arizona’s educational future, state leaders, educators and community organizations are aligning behind Literacy Plan 2030 — an initiative aimed at ensuring all students read proficiently by third grade

Offiicals say the need is urgent as 31% of Arizona fourth graders scored at or above proficient in reading on the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Data from the Arizona Department of Education show achievement gaps across racial, geographic and economic lines.

But rather than focus on deficits, officials say they believe Literacy Plan 2030 is centered on scalable, proven solutions.

“We’ve hit a plateau in literacy growth since the pandemic,” said Terri Clark, Arizona literacy director for Read On Arizona . “Now the focus is on getting

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