SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Sylacauga City Schools was among the state’s strongest-improving districts in third grade reading performance this year, posting a 6.3 percentage-point gain with 90 percent of students meeting or exceeding the state benchmark.
The results were part of district-level reading data released Thursday, June 11 by the Alabama State Department of Education, offering the first local look at performance on the third grade reading assessment tied to the Alabama Literacy Act.
Statewide, reading scores remained largely unchanged. This year, 88.2 percent of Alabama third graders met the benchmark score, compared to 88.4 percent in 2025.
The reading test, administered as part of the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), is one way students can demonstrate they are reading at a level sufficient for promotion to fourth grade.
The district results revealed significant variation across Alabama. While some systems posted notable gains, others experienced sharp declines. Sylacauga City was one of eight districts statewide to improve by at least five percentage points.
Other districts recording gains of five points or more included Fairfield City, Elba City, Marengo County, Sheffield City, Anniston City, Alexander City, and Pickens County.
The statewide results also showed that district performance did not always correspond with poverty levels. Several higher-poverty districts performed at or above the state average, while some lower-poverty systems lost ground.
A total of 6,467 third grade students statewide did not meet the benchmark and were invited to attend summer reading camps. Students who fall short of the benchmark may still qualify for promotion through a retest, reading portfolio, or a good-cause exemption under state law.
