LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Thousands of third graders in Arkansas are at risk of being held back under new state reading standards, sparking concern from lawmakers.

Under the new standards, third graders must pass a specific reading level before advancing to fourth grade. The standards are part of the LEARN Act, which said that starting in the 2025-26 school year, the Arkansas Department of Education has to update its requirements for third-grade promotion.

Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva briefed lawmakers on Sept. 3 on the state's redesigned standardized exams, called ATLAS (Arkansas Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System). Oliva said the exams are tailored to Arkansas' unique needs, not federal requirements.

Students are scored on a system that ranges from one to f

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