EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

Utah kindergarteners show reading proficiency gains, education board says

Sep 23, 2024, 7:41 PM | Updated: 7:47 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Board of Education announced that Utah kindergarteners are demonstrating “remarkable improvements” in reading proficiency.

The latest reading data shows an 11 percent increase in kindergarten students achieving at or above benchmark reading levels since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As Utah continues to prioritize early literacy development, the state is positioned to continue its upward trajectory in reading proficiency and prepare students for academic challenges in the future,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sydnee Dickson.

Scoring “at benchmark” means a child has a 70% to 85% chance to meet their next reading benchmark, while “above benchmark” signifies a 90% to 99% chance.

The same data shows a 16% increase in kindergarteners scoring above benchmark.

The Department of Education said the progress is likely linked to “the expansion of full-day kindergarten programs statewide and initiatives focused on enhancing reading instruction.”

“These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of Utah’s educational strategies in providing our youngest students with a strong foundation in literacy,” Dickson said.

KSL 5 TV Live

Education & Schools

The outside of the LaVell Edwards Stadium before the game against the Arizona Wildcats on Oct. 11, ...

Andrew Adams

BYU students stoked for nationally televised football game against Arizona

Students were already in line Friday ahead of the undefeated BYU Cougars' critical conference tilt against the Arizona Wildcats on Saturday.

2 days ago

Alex Thayer with her son on a favorite walk. (KSL TV)...

Ashley Moser

How imagination, unstructured play are vital to early childhood development

Free play is not only fun. It also helps children develop important skills, like problem solving.

2 days ago

Alpine School District student. (KSL TV)...

Ashley Moser

Parent engagement is key to building bridges between school and home, experts say

Back to school can be an exciting time, especially for students starting their first year in elementary. But how do parents and caregivers make sure their kindergartners are really grasping what they are learning in the classroom?

3 days ago

Washington Heights Church with Box Elder County students. (Courtesy Melissa Morris)...

Mike Anderson

Rural schools overwhelmed with huge donation of supplies

A lot of schools receive donations, but not usually in Box Elder County. People don't often think of rural areas when they're doing donation projects. That's why a recent, large donation was such an important gift for three small schools.

4 days ago

FILE — Utah Capitol....

Larry D. Curtis

Amendment A voided from November ballots

A court has granted a permanent injunction against Amendment A in the upcoming November election. While it will appear on the ballot, the results of voting are voided.

4 days ago

A sign in front of Juan Diego Catholic High School in Draper  on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022. (Ben B. Br...

Amy Donaldson, KSL Podcast

Australian high school football player files suit to play varsity, says new Utah rule discriminates

An Australian high school football player agreed to be the plaintiff in a lawsuit filed Monday that alleges a new Utah high school rule placing restrictions on some foreign student-athletes is discriminatory.

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Laptops in a modern technology store. Department of computers in the electronics store. Choosing a ...

PC Laptops

How to choose the best laptop for college students

Finding the right laptop for college students can be hard, but with this guide we break down what to look for so you can find the best one.

young male technician is repairing a printer at office...

Les Olson

Unraveling the dilemma between leasing and buying office technology

Carefully weigh these pros and cons to make an informed decision that best suits your business growth and day-to-day operation. 

A kitchen in a modern farmhouse....

Lighting Design

A room-by-room lighting guide for your home

Bookmark this room-by-room lighting guide whenever you decide to upgrade your lighting or style a new home.

Photo courtesy of Artists of Ballet West...

Ballet West

The rising demand for ballet tickets: why they’re harder to get

Ballet West’s box office is experiencing demand they’ve never seen before, leaving many interested patrons unable to secure tickets they want.

Utah kindergarteners show reading proficiency gains, education board says