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MLK making major gains in reading
MLK making major gains in reading
Lydia Avant

Ninety percent of third graders in Tuscaloosa City Schools were reading on grade level during the 2024–25 school year — the second consecutive year the district has reached that proficiency rate.

But the real story is in the growth those students made since second grade, said Dr. James Pope, deputy superintendent for Tuscaloosa City Schools. During the 2023–24 school year, 82% of TCS second graders were reading on grade level. A year later, that same group of students improved to a 90% proficiency rate.

The data is based on reading scores from the ACAP assessment, which is administered statewide in Alabama for all elementary students. However, it’s not a test that can simply be taught, Pope said.

“This reflects the dedication of our teachers, the progress our students are making, and the fact that real, meaningful learning is taking place,” Pope said. “The ACAP measures comprehension — you can’t simply teach to the test.”

Several schools across the district saw dramatic one-year gains in reading proficiency, including Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Oakdale Elementary, Skyland Elementary, the Alberta School of Performing Arts and Woodland Forrest Elementary.

At Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, 2023–24 second graders scored 75% proficiency in reading. This year, as third graders, that same cohort scored 92% proficiency — a 17-point increase. Similarly, Skyland Elementary students improved from a 76% proficiency rate in second grade to 90% in third grade. At TASPA, third graders reached 82% proficiency this spring, up 15 percentage points from 67% the year prior.

The improvement is especially critical given the Alabama Literacy Act, passed in 2019, which requires third graders to be reading on grade level. Beginning in August 2025, students not meeting that benchmark may be retained. Last school year, nine TCS students were retained due to the law.

This year’s benchmark scores were slightly higher than in 2023–24 for both second and third grades, indicating continued districtwide growth, Pope said. In 2024, the cut scores to be considered reading on grade level were 455 for second graders and 435 for third graders. This year, those thresholds increased to 463 and 444, respectively — meaning students had to demonstrate greater proficiency.

Programs like Reading Allies, which pairs community volunteers with students for targeted reading intervention, have played a significant role in the gains. At TASPA, Oakdale and Central Elementary, 100% of third graders receiving tutoring through Reading Allies benchmarked in reading, meaning none will be retained.

While the district aims for every student to read on grade level, most of the 10% who did not benchmark will not be retained due to exemptions for students receiving special education services or who are English language learners, said Terri Byrts, director of student literacy. Students who did not meet the benchmark are participating in the TCS summer learning program and will have the opportunity to retake the ACAP this summer.

TCS officials expect very few, if any, third graders to be retained due to reading scores.

Superintendent Mike Daria said the latest results reflect a major turnaround in just a few years.

“In 2015–16, only 39% of our third graders were reading on grade level, and that was simply unacceptable,” Daria said. “We made a commitment as a district to change that outcome, and these results show that commitment in action. This progress is a direct result of our focused literacy initiatives, dedicated teachers and strong partnerships with families and the community. We’re proud of the work — and we’re not done yet.”

Teacher pointing at board with the Preamble of the Constitution.
Students Celebrate Constitution Day
Anthony McClinton

Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School third graders recently celebrated Constitution Day with an engaging and educational activity. The students delved into the meaning behind the words of the Preamble to the United States Constitution and enjoyed singing the classic Schoolhouse Rock song that brings those words to life.

The lesson was presented by Librarian Kat Baxter, who has a history of teaching this topic. Tthe idea to revive this lesson came from one of her former students, Shalena Cannon. She is now a teacher at the same school, remembered how impactful the lesson was for her and encouraged Ms. Baxter to share it with the current group of third graders.#AmazingtotheCore #ConstitutionDay

Watch the Video:

 

Hank Poore Foundation donates books to MLK Jr. Elementary
Hank Poore Foundation donates books to MLK Jr. Elementary
Mallory Cook

The Hank Poore Foundation is donating books about disabilities to all libraries in the Tuscaloosa City Schools.

 

On Wednesday, the first donation was made to Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, including about a dozen children's books. Hank Poore, a Northridge High School graduate with cerebral palsy who is founder of the nonprofit, was also on hand to present the books. The donation will provide easily accessible resources for all TCS students that promote understanding and inclusion, helping to foster connection between disabled and non-disabled students.

 

“Our donation of books about disability to every TCS school library will not only educate non-disabled students about different disabilities and inclusion of the disability community, but it will provide an opportunity for students with disabilities to read about people like them,” said Ashley Ferry, executive director of the foundation. “Making these books available in TCS libraries will open the doors of possibility and inspiration to all TCS students.”

 

Dr. LaTonya Williams-Collins, principal of Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary school, said she appreciated the donation because it is important that students with special needs be able to see themselves in library books, but also for other students to learn more about people with disabilities. 

 

"It is a great opportunity for our students in general education to learn about others, and learn about things others go through," Williams-Collins said. "Just because they have disabilities or differences, doesn't mean they are someone for our students to be afraid of. I think these books will bring a lot more knowledge and acceptance to our students." 

 

The Hank Poore Foundation exists to provide opportunities and experiences for people with disabilities, and disability education is one way it fulfills this mission. The organization will donate about 250 books to the TCS libraries, and then hopes to donate books in the Tuscaloosa County School System and other regional school districts. 

 

“The Hank Poore Foundation considers education about disability and inclusion one of our priorities,” said Executive Director Ashley Ferry. “Adults and children alike often make assumptions when they see someone in a wheelchair or a person who uses a speech device. Knowledge is a way to break down those assumptions and stereotypes about our neighbors with disabilities.”

 

Alyssa Witherspoon "Inspires Excellence"
Alyssa Witherspoon "Inspires Excellence"
Mallory Cook

Alyssa Witherspoon received the "Inspiring Excellence Award," an award given to one student from each TCS school for demonstrating good character and leadership.

Alyssa is a quiet leader who leads by example. Her Principal says she displays integrity and stays focused on learning. She enjoys drawing and painting.

CAPS Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa Police Department presented Alyssa with gifts along with her award.