New data show K–2 reading readiness holds steady, with no change from the previous year.

At the start of the school year, overall reading skills among the nation’s youngest students remained unchanged from 2025–26 — with no year-over-year improvements in scores. The latest research brief highlights that:

48 percent of K–2 students are on track to learn to read (no change from 2025–26).
35 percent of K–2 students are far behind in learning to read (no change from 2025–26).
Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) can help schools and districts use beginning-of-year data to address student needs.

An adult helps a child read a book at a table. The child is writing, and the adult is smiling. The setting resembles a classroom, with windows in the background.

Explore Amplify’s beginning-of-year research brief.

Kindergarten at beginning-of-year

36% of kindergarten students are on track to learn to read, no change from last year. Read more about the pause in progress and how educators can use data as part of a system to plan for the year ahead.

First grade at beginning-of-year

52% of first grade students are on track to learn to read, no change from last year. Read more about the pause in progress and how educators can use data as part of a system to plan for the year ahead.

Second grade at beginning-of-year

56% of second grade students are on track to learn to read, no change from last year. Read more about the pause in progress and how educators can use data as part of a system to plan for the year ahead.