Reading this Right
(Shutterstock)
También puedes leer este artículo en español aquí.
Supporting your children’s education means more than simply enrolling them in school; it’s also understanding what resources are available and what changes could affect their academic progress. In Arkansas, a recent change related to reading in the early elementary years could impact students’ ability to progress through grades.
Beatriz Varela, family engagement, compliance and community outreach coordinator for the Little Rock School District, said Arkansas’ LEARNS Act places a strong emphasis on student reading performance. Under the law, students who do not meet third-grade reading standards at the end of the 2025-26 school year could be retained instead of being promoted to fourth grade.
Varela says the most important action families can take now is stay informed and act early. The district has strengthened support for students who need additional help in reading, including tutoring and academic interventions, but support at home remains essential.
“The goal is to provide students with the support they need before retention becomes necessary,” Varela says “That’s why we’ve expanded tutoring and reading interventions to help children succeed.”
Varela recommends parents read with their children for at least 20 minutes a day, visit the library regularly, stay in communication with teachers and attend school conferences or meetings with teachers. She says it’s important to be aware now about one’s child’s reading progress and what support is available if extra help is needed.
Varela noted that some students in English for Speakers of Other Language programs — those learning English as a second language — may qualify for a good cause exception to the new standard, depending on their academic circumstances and how long they have been in an English-language school setting. According to the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, those decisions are reviewed individually.
At a time of major changes in education, understanding the resources available and staying involved can make a meaningful difference in a child’s success at school.
“Parents are their children’s first teachers,” Varela says “Reading together every day, staying connected with the school and asking questions when help is needed can make a meaningful difference in a child’s success.”
What Can Families Do?
Read to and with your child at least 20 minutes a day
Talk with your child’s teacher regularly
Attend school meetings to review reading progress
Contact your child’s school district to learn about available reading resources intervention programs and family support services.