The Alabama Department of Education released data showing that 88.4% of third graders successfully met the criteria necessary for promotion to fourth grade. This statistic is notable, especially considering a raised benchmark introduced for the 2025 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reading test.
The minimum score for promotion has been adjusted from 435 last year to 444 this year, part of an ongoing effort to align with national reading standards. While this year’s percentage falls short of the nearly 91% success rate recorded in 2024, education officials express that these figures indicate academic growth when factoring in the increased difficulty.
Moreover, in Fall 2024, the Alabama Board of Education had already approved this higher threshold to better align with recommended standards. The set score of 444 is approximately 1.5 standard errors below the goal of 473, whereas last year’s score of 435 was notably lower. An increase to a score of 454 is on the horizon for Spring 2027.
Dr. Eric McKee noted that while adjusting for higher standards complicates year-on-year comparisons, using the new cutoff for last year’s candidates means that around 86.3% qualified for promotion then. This, he argued, demonstrates improvement relative to the current year’s performance, which is higher.
At the district level, mixed results persist. Some districts are struggling, with around 70% of students not meeting the benchmarks. However, overall, most schools are benefiting. Mackey indicated that schools are proactively addressing the needs of students performing between scores of 444 and 473—an area where students may read at the grade level but are at risk of falling behind.
According to Alabama literacy law, any student not reaching the cut score may have to repeat the third grade unless they qualify for an exception via a legitimate reason or summer reading programs.
In addition to reading outcomes, various indicators reflect positive trends in Alabama’s educational landscape. Metrics like graduation rates, preparation for university and careers, and student attendance are reportedly improving, and Alabama has been recognized as a leader in education.
Local school systems are currently evaluating individual results and are expected to release further details in the weeks ahead.
