Atlanta, August 8, 2025
News Summary
Georgia officials express optimism regarding the progress of the state’s literacy initiative aimed at enhancing reading proficiency in elementary schools. The program, which focuses on low-performing schools, is notable for the improvements seen at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta. With the aid of literacy coaches, the initiative has led to a significant increase in reading scores. Despite ongoing challenges, state education leaders are committed to addressing literacy gaps through new strategies and legislation to improve educational outcomes.
Atlanta – A year into Georgia’s focused literacy initiative, officials have expressed cautious optimism regarding improvements in reading proficiency across the state’s elementary schools. The program, launched to address significant literacy challenges, targets low-performing schools and aims to enhance reading skills among young students. The Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta stands out as a leading example, having introduced effective new strategies that have led to visible changes in student engagement and academic performance.
Hollis Academy was one of 60 elementary schools that received state-funded literacy coaches last year. These coaches, such as Ebony Fulgham, work closely with teachers and students to refine reading instruction. The results are promising: schools that employed a literacy coach saw an average 15% improvement in reading scores. Specifically, third graders at Hollis Academy experienced a remarkable 29-point increase in the number reading at or above grade level.
Research underscores the importance of early reading skills, showing that students who do not achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. In response to this alarming trend, all kindergarten through third-grade teachers in the state have undergone training in the “Science of Reading.” This approach emphasizes phonics and sound recognition, forming a crucial foundation for literacy development.
Principal Adib Shakir of Hollis Academy is determined to build on the progress made thus far, recognizing the need to continue advancing literacy education within the school. However, recent data from the 2025 Milestone report indicates that reading scores still fall below pre-pandemic levels, signaling ongoing challenges. State Superintendent Richard Woods acknowledged the early gains but stressed the necessity for sustained improvements in educational outcomes.
The Georgia Department of Education is introducing various new measures to bolster literacy rates, including revised reading standards for grades K-12, a free literacy screener for schools, and enhanced progress monitoring. Additionally, plans are underway to expand tutoring services and retain literacy coaches in the most underserved schools, which are critical to addressing the literacy gaps.
While statewide math scores have improved across all grades, the performance of third graders in mathematics declined slightly by 1%. Conversely, social studies and science subjects showed consistent gains, indicating a positive trend in broader educational areas.
New legislation aimed at transforming reading instruction is currently waiting for approval from Governor Brian Kemp. This legislation prohibits the use of the ineffective “three cueing” method of reading instruction and mandates that educator preparation programs align with phonics-based instruction. It also specifically targets harmful practices such as the Reading Recovery program, which has faced criticism for its approach and has been deemed potentially detrimental to struggling students.
As part of the new legislative requirements, teacher preparation programs will now incorporate explicit phonemic awareness and phonics instruction. However, some educators have voiced concerns about the implications of mandated bans on teaching methods, questioning the effectiveness of the new policies while also expressing apprehension regarding the prohibition of visual aids in reading instruction.
Current literacy statistics reveal a disheartening trend, with only one in three fourth-graders across Georgia meeting proficient reading levels according to state assessments. The path forward requires vigilant efforts by educators, policymakers, and the community to ensure that all students develop essential reading skills necessary for future academic success.
FAQ Section
What is the Georgia literacy initiative?
The Georgia literacy initiative is a statewide effort aimed at improving reading proficiency among elementary school students, particularly those in low-performing schools. It has introduced literacy coaches, training for teachers, and new educational standards.
What is the role of literacy coaches in this initiative?
Literacy coaches provide support to teachers and students by improving reading instruction methods. They play a crucial role in enhancing reading scores and implementing effective strategies in the classroom.
What are the expected outcomes of the literacy initiative?
The initiative aims to raise reading proficiency rates, particularly for kindergarten through third-grade students, and reduce the number of students who struggle with reading, ultimately decreasing dropout rates in high school.
How are the new reading standards changing instruction in Georgia?
New legislation requires that teaching methods focus on phonics-based instruction and eliminate ineffective approaches. This change is expected to improve literacy outcomes and align educator training with proven educational practices.
Key Features of Georgia’s Literacy Initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Literacy Coaches | 60 low-performing schools received state-funded literacy coaches. |
| Improvement Statistics | Average 15% increase in reading scores at schools with coaches; Hollis Academy saw a 29-point increase. |
| Training | All K-3 teachers trained in the “Science of Reading,” emphasizing phonics. |
| Legislation | New laws to prohibit ineffective reading methods and enhance teacher preparation programs. |
| Current Literacy Level | Only 1 in 3 fourth-graders are reading proficiently. |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Georgia Sees Big Literacy Gains
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- EdTech Innovation Hub: Operation Hope and Georgia State Literacy Program
- Google Search: Georgia literacy initiative
- AJC: Atlanta Tops Nation with 4th Grade Reading Gains
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WRDW: Reading Method Ban Awaits Approval
- Google News: Georgia literacy programs
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