Nevada Faces challenges as Third Grade Reading Rates Rise, But Remain Below Proficiency Threshold
Nevada is working to improve third grade literacy rates ahead of a new student retention rule, but current data reveals fewer than half of students are proficient in reading.The state aims to increase the literacy rate to 64% by 2030, a 20 percentage point jump from the most recent school year and double the rate from 2020-2021.
the looming retention rule, set to take effect in the coming school year, will require students not meeting reading benchmarks to repeat third grade. Concerns are being raised about the potential impact on school resources and space.Officials acknowledge that many students may have faced prior educational disadvantages beyond their control. As one expert noted, factors like inconsistent instruction or having a long-term substitute teacher for an extended period can significantly impact a child’s early literacy advancement.
Clark County School District recently launched “Read With Me NV,” a program connecting educators with literacy research and providing families with resources and strategies to support reading at home, including daily reading with children and providing new families with a book and literacy tips.
However, efforts to bolster early literacy are facing setbacks. The Dolly Parton imagination Libary, which previously delivered over 18,000 books monthly to children under 5 in Clark County, ended in May due to the expiration of a grant and unsuccessful attempts to secure funding through the 2025 legislative session.
Other programs continue to operate, though with challenges. The United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra’s “United Readers” program, providing one-on-one reading support to approximately 1,000 K-3 students annually, experienced a delayed rollout this school year due to funding interruptions but has as re-launched with a focus on rural schools. The organization continues to operate the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Northern Nevada, distributing around 8,800 books monthly through collaborations with other organizations.
Program leaders emphasize the importance of individualized support and creating pleasant learning environments for struggling readers, focusing on meeting students where they are rather than expecting them to keep pace with higher-performing peers.
