Nationwide — Alabama’s Literacy Law is having a clear impact this year, with new data showing how many third graders are being held back after falling short on the state’s reading exam. According to the Alabama State Board of Education, 55,930 third graders took the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reading test in the spring.
Out of that number, 6,470 students did not score at grade level, and after summer retesting, 4,727 students—about 8.5% statewide—are now repeating third grade. State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said the higher number is partly due to an increased cut score this year, and he wants to further study why more than 2,400 families did not pursue retesting or summer reading camps for their children.
According to WBRC, district-level data shows significant differences across Alabama. In Birmingham City Schools, 1,699 students took the ACAP reading test, with 1,447 ultimately passing either in spring or summer sessions. After exemptions, 35 students were retained. In Tuscaloosa City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria reported that 779 students tested in spring, with 77 initially at risk. After summer support and exemptions, 13 students had to repeat the third grade, representing about 10% who did not meet the higher cut score.
Shelby County Schools reported that out of 1,637 third graders, 57 retested during the summer, but only three students were retained. In Jasper City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Ann Jackson said just one student out of 220 is repeating third grade, though 18 were at risk after spring testing. All 18 completed the required summer reading program, helping nearly all of them advance.
Hoover City Schools also reported strong results. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox said 1,047 third graders took the spring exam, with 24 retesting in the summer. Only one student is repeating the grade. Maddox credited the district’s investment in 60 part-time interventionists—mostly retired teachers—who work directly with struggling readers and math students. He emphasized that this multi-pronged approach has kept retention extremely low in Hoover.
Overall, the updated Literacy Law data illustrates both the challenge and progress of raising reading standards in Alabama. While thousands of students statewide are repeating third grade, many districts are finding success with intervention programs, summer reading camps, and exemptions. Education leaders say the goal is not only to meet state benchmarks but to ensure every child has the reading foundation necessary for long-term academic success.
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