Top Performing Parishes in Louisiana’s 3rd Grade Reading Initiative

Louisiana is trying something new in education and those changes are now in effect. 3^rd graders who do not meet basic reading requirements are being held back rather than promoted to the 4^th grade. These students have several opportunities to meet the new standards.

What Is the Third Grade Promotion Policy?

This is the first school year in which Louisiana’s third grade students may be held back based on reading performance. This new policy is to try to make sure students are prepared to succeed in fourth grade by identifying those who need extra reading help.

Has There Been Reading Improvement in Louisiana?

At the beginning of this school year, 54% of 3^rd graders met the literacy requirements. But at the end of the school year, 62% of all 3^rd graders in the state met the standards. The latest data shows that number has grown to 77% after optional summer learning. But this still means more than 20% of these youngsters could be facing another year in the 3^rd grade.

What Are the Best Performing Parishes in the State?

West Feliciana Parish 78.9%

St. Charles Parish 77.2%

Ascension Parish 75.8%

Iberville Parish 75.6%

Plaquemines Parish 75.2%

How Did Northwest Louisiana Parishes Perform?

Bienville Parish 61% passing
Bossier Parish 69% passing
Caddo Parish 60% passing
Claiborne Parish 39% passing
DeSoto Parish 63% passing
Red River Parish 51% passing
Sabine Parish 63% passing
Union Parish 37% passing
Webster Parish 46% passing

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The statewide rate is 64.1% passing.

State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says:

Strong teachers, sound policy, and strategic investments have resulted in historic education outcomes for Louisiana. We’re proud of the progress, but far from satisfied. I’m pleased with the work of teachers in partnership with parents to prompt this growth.

The overall data for students in grades K-3 shows a 17-point increase in the percentage of students reading on or above grade level from the start to the end of the 2024-2025 school year.