New statewide data from the Alabama State Department of Education shows that 88.4% of third-grade students scored at or above the required level to be promoted to fourth grade, despite a higher benchmark implemented for the 2025 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reading test.
The updated cut score—the minimum score needed for promotion—was raised from 435 in 2024 to 444 this year as part of a phased effort to align student performance with national reading proficiency standards. While this year’s percentage is slightly lower than the 91% who met the previous benchmark in 2024, state education officials say that, when adjusted for the increased difficulty, the results reflect academic growth.
RELATED: 1,800 Alabama students repeating third grade as literacy law takes effect
According to WSFA, the Alabama State Board of Education previously voted to raise the threshold in fall 2024 to bring it closer to the recommended proficiency score of 473. A score of 444 is approximately 1.5 standard errors of measurement below the 473 target, while last year’s cut score of 435 was two standard errors below. The next increase is planned for spring 2027, when the cut score will rise to 454.
State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said the higher standard makes year-to-year comparisons more complex, but applying the current 444 benchmark retroactively to last year’s results indicates only 86.3% of 2024 students would have qualified for promotion. That figure is lower than this year’s 88.4%, which Mackey cited as evidence of improvement.
District-level results have also been released. While some districts continue to face challenges, especially those where only around 70% of students met the benchmark, Mackey said most school systems saw gains. He added that schools are also identifying and working with students whose scores fall between 444 and 473. Though they are considered to be reading at grade level, their performance places them at greater risk of falling behind.
Under the Alabama Literacy Act, students who do not meet the cut score may be retained unless they qualify for promotion through a good cause exemption, summer reading programs, or a second round of testing.
In addition to reading scores, other indicators have shown positive trends. Graduation rates, college and career readiness, and student attendance have all improved, according to the Alabama State Department of Education. Alabama currently ranks first in the nation for school attendance, WSFA reported.
Local school systems are continuing to review their individual results and are expected to release additional information in the coming weeks.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
