Tuscaloosa's 3rd Graders Excel Again in Reading Aptitude Tests

For the third consecutive year, 9 out of 10 Tuscaloosa City Schools third graders met the state benchmark for grade-level reading in 2026.

Under Alabama's Literacy Act, students who are not reading on grade level by the end of third grade may be held back and made to repeat the school year.

Administrators said they expect very few, if any, retentions in the entire Tuscaloosa City Schools system this year. Most students who didn’t initially meet the benchmark are either exempt under state guidelines or enrolled in summer learning programs with an opportunity to retest.

Get our free mobile app

Superintendent Mike Daria framed the milestone against a longer arc of improvement.

"In 2015–16, only 39 percent of our third graders were reading on grade level," Daria said. "We committed to changing that — and these results show that commitment paying off."

Several Tuscaloosa schools posted notable gains from last year. Central Elementary climbed from 70 percent to 80 percent proficiency, while Oakdale Elementary rose from 83 percent to 90 percent.

In a press release touting the improvements, TCS said Oakdale's growth is particularly striking over a three-year window — just 46 percent of its third graders were reading on grade level in 2023.

Deputy Superintendent Dr. James Pope credited a sustained, district-wide effort for the results.

"These results reflect years of intentional work by our teachers, administrators, support staff and families to ensure students are building strong reading skills early," Pope said.

For more exclusive coverage of education in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.