Progress paused: What end-of-year data reveal about early literacy in grades K–2.
With year-over-year gains flat for the first time since the pandemic, a deeper look at skill level data can help leaders plan for next year. The latest research brief highlights:
- For the first time since the pandemic, year-over-year improvement in early literacy stalled across grades K–2.
- 66 percent of K–2 students overall are on track to learn to read, with 34% of young learners scoring below benchmark, which increases their risk for not learning to read.
- Comparing benchmark composite scores and skill level data at end-of-year can help administrators evaluate their systems of instruction and make decisions for the coming year.
Explore Amplify’s end-of-year research brief.
Research briefs by school year
October 2024
BOY: Summer instructional loss highlights the importance of quality core instruction for the youngest grades.
October 2025
BOY: More students start the school year on track for learning to read, though momentum is slow.
February 2025
MOY: Early literacy gains offer hope for COVID recovery, though broader literacy challenges persist nationwide.
February 2026
MOY: Slow but steady: K–2 reading readiness climbs just 1–2 percentage points annually.
July 2025
EOY: Reading scores rise overall; gender disparities present a complex picture.
June 2026
EOY: Progress paused: What end-of-year data reveal about early literacy in grades K–2
Read more research and case studies.
Amplify’s high-quality programs benefit millions of students every day using methods that are evidence-based, ESSA-aligned, and showing efficacy in a variety of contexts. Read more research and case studies and see more briefs on early literacy.