The research is clear – students who are proficient readers by the end of third grade are four times more likely to graduate from high school than their peers who are not reading on grade level. However, in Spring 2023, only two out of every five third graders (39%) were proficient readers, as measured by the Georgia Milestones English Language Arts assessment.  

Responding to low reading proficiency, the Georgia General Assembly passed the 2023 Georgia Early Literacy Act. While the Act creates a comprehensive strategy to improve reading proficiency, several factors outside of the school’s control – low parental education, community poverty, and the presence of chronic environmental stressors – contribute to poor learning outcomes.  

To address early literacy challenges, the Georgia Partnership recommends state and community leaders adopt cross-sector approaches that emphasizes healthy brain development, exposure to high-quality early learning experiences, and increased access to preventative health care before children enter elementary school.  

A state-led, community-driven approach would address the risk factors that widen opportunity gaps, while also communicating the benefits of investments in early health and learning interventions. Targeted investments to serve our youngest and most vulnerable children will help prevent more costly interventions as they grow into adolescents and adults.