Why It Matters
New Jersey public schools conducted their first statewide mandatory literacy screening this fall, revealing that more than half of K-3 students are struggling with foundational reading skills. The data provides education officials and teachers with early warning signs to address learning gaps before they become entrenched, particularly among economically disadvantaged students and English language learners.
Under a 2024 state law, all school districts must now evaluate young students at least twice per year on the core abilities needed for reading proficiency. Results must be shared with parents within 30 days.
What Happened
State Department of Education officials presented initial screening data at a school board meeting earlier this month. The assessment found that 43% of students are reading below grade level, while 57% met or exceeded expectations.
Phonemic awareness — the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds in words — posed the greatest challenge. Roughly 54% of students tested below grade level in this skill area. Phonics and reading comprehension also presented difficulties, with 52% of students below grade level in each category.
Jorden Schiff, assistant commissioner at the state Department of Education, said the screening mandate creates statewide transparency into how reading skills are assessed. Approximately 75% of school districts use state-approved evaluation tools, though about one in four districts have not yet submitted their data to the state.
By the Numbers
43% — share of K-3 students reading below grade level
54% — students below grade level in phonemic awareness
52% — students below grade level in both phonics and reading comprehension
75% — school districts using state-approved screening tools
38% — fourth-grade reading proficiency rate in New Jersey on 2024 national test, down from 49% in 2017
Zoom Out
Reading proficiency declined nationwide following the COVID-19 pandemic, when classroom instruction shifted online and inconsistent internet access widened achievement gaps. Scores from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed more than half of fourth graders across all states struggling with reading proficiency.
In New Jersey, the decline has been particularly pronounced among Black and Latino students, English language learners, and economically disadvantaged students. Research indicates that students who lack foundational reading skills face higher dropout risk and reduced career opportunities.
The required screeners evaluate five core areas: letter naming, phonemic awareness, phonics, oral reading fluency, and reading comprehension. These skills build upon one another, with phonemic awareness and phonics serving as early predictors of later reading challenges.
What’s Next
School districts must administer the literacy screenings at least twice yearly. Lisa Haberl, executive director of teaching and learning at the state Education Department, said the universal screening requirement carries significant implications for closing long-standing achievement gaps.
Teachers will use the screening data to adjust classroom instruction and identify students who need targeted intervention. Districts that have not yet submitted data to the state or are using non-approved screening tools will need to come into compliance with the 2024 law.
Education advocates recommend parents ask school leaders about their district’s screening methods, literacy curriculum, and intervention strategies for students reading below grade level.