21 States Team Up to Fix Reading Crisis in Schools

The National Governors Association brought together 34 education leaders this week in New Orleans with one mission: give every student the tools to thrive in school and beyond.

Reading scores hit historic lows after the pandemic, affecting 35 million students in grades three through eight. But some states are fighting back with evidence-based programs that actually work.

Nearly every state has passed new laws focused on early literacy in the past few years. From Alaska's READS Act to Maryland's Academic Excellence Program, governors from both parties are investing in proven reading instruction methods with real urgency.

The data shows mixed but hopeful results. Math recovery after the pandemic has been real and significant. Reading still lags behind, but states that implemented comprehensive literacy programs are seeing genuine progress.

The approach goes beyond just teaching reading. Leaders discussed connecting childcare to workforce development, supporting student mental health, and creating clear paths from high school to meaningful careers.

YouthForce NOLA in New Orleans proves the model works. The organization has connected nearly 2,000 public high school students to internships with over 250 local businesses. An impressive 97% of their graduates went on to college or careers, showing what happens when students get both academic support and real-world experience.

The Ripple Effect

When states share strategies that work, everyone benefits. The institute created space for leaders to learn from each other's successes and avoid repeating mistakes.

Teacher preparation emerged as a critical piece of the puzzle. Most teacher training programs fall short in preparing educators to teach reading and math effectively, but states that prioritize high-quality teacher preparation see better student outcomes within years.

The focus isn't just academic either. State leaders are building data systems that track economic mobility and holding programs accountable to real results, not just test scores.

This summer, the National Governors Association will release "A Governors' Pocket Guide to Early Literacy" to help more states take action. The guide will spotlight proven strategies and provide resources to accelerate progress.

These 21 states aren't waiting for perfect solutions. They're implementing what works now, measuring results, and adjusting as they learn.