If Kids Can't Read By Third Grade

Mississippi's education system was once ranked near the bottom in the nation. Today, it has become one of the most discussed literacy success stories in America. In this episode of Learning Curve, Erin Brantley and Ross Izzard examine Mississippi's remarkable improvement in reading scores and ask what Colorado can learn from it. The discussion compares Mississippi's Literacy-Based Promotion Act with Colorado's READ Act, explores the controversial issue of third-grade retention, and looks at the challenges of improving literacy outcomes through policy alone. The conversation also highlights the importance of parental involvement, summer learning loss, local control in education, and the difficult balance between accountability, funding, and student achievement. If reading proficiency is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, what should schools, parents, and policymakers be doing differently? Join us for a thoughtful discussion on literacy, education reform, and the future of student success.