The NWEA research, which analyzed sixth-grade reading trends between 2017 and 2025, highlights a widening performance gap. While average students have seen scores stagnate, those in the 10th percentile—the lowest-performing group—have experienced consistent declines since 2022. Dr. Megan Kuhfeld, NWEA’s Director of Growth Modeling and Data Analytics, warns that isolated interventions are no longer sufficient to address these systemic deficits. She advocates for a unified approach that integrates curriculum, instruction, and assessment from kindergarten through eighth grade.

To reverse this trend, the report points to several state-led policy shifts showing early potential. Efforts in states like Mississippi and Louisiana emphasize building a foundation in K-3 literacy, while initiatives in Maryland, Minnesota, and Indiana are expanding these frameworks into the middle grades. These programs prioritize mandatory screening for foundational skills in grades 4-12 and the adoption of high-quality, research-aligned instructional materials. Furthermore, states like Michigan and Oregon are focusing on professional development for teachers across all disciplines, ensuring that literacy support extends beyond the English classroom.