Story perspectives

Phonics Policies and Settlement Funding Raise Reading Scores

5/13/2026

43 4

Summary

Story summary

Five states and D.C. showed reading growth 2022-2025, while students stay 0.5 grade level behind pre-pandemic levels.
Science of reading, dyslexia screening and teacher coaching, plus $5,000 LETRS training in Modesto, have improved scores, adding 13 weeks of learning.
Detroit used $94 million settlement to add 18 educators, cutting absenteeism to one-two per class.
Louisiana and Alabama, with mandated phonics and a Numeracy Act, posted 2025 scores above pre-pandemic levels.

1 of 1

Story summary

Five states and D.C. showed reading growth 2022-2025, while students stay 0.5 grade level behind pre-pandemic levels.
Science of reading, dyslexia screening and teacher coaching, plus $5,000 LETRS training in Modesto, have improved scores, adding 13 weeks of learning.
Detroit used $94 million settlement to add 18 educators, cutting absenteeism to one-two per class.
Louisiana and Alabama, with mandated phonics and a Numeracy Act, posted 2025 scores above pre-pandemic levels.