New data shows early‑grade reading remains below pre‑pandemic levels, with first‑ and second‑graders lagging as math rises.

In early 2026, a small group of first-grade students at Lucy Wortham James Elementary School in St. James, Missouri, sat together sounding out words.

In early literacy, the goal is simple but urgent: Help students become independent readers and writers. Every instructional decision we make either moves them closer to that goal or keeps them ...

Incoming first-graders offered advice to students starting first grade this year. Many students said they were nervous on their first day but made friends quickly. Reading, math and making friends ...

In early 2026, a small group of first-grade students at Lucy Wortham James Elementary School in St. James, Missouri, sat together sounding out words. Kim Williams, the school’s principal, watched as ...