Vermont School District Sees 10% Jump in Literacy Scores

A Vermont school district that watched two-thirds of its students struggle with reading after COVID is now watching those same kids soar.

Maple Run Unified School District in St. Albans just shared mid-year data that has educators celebrating. Between winter 2024 and winter 2026, 10% more students in grades 6-12 are meeting literacy standards. Elementary students showed a 5% increase.

"Not only are we holding proficiency, we are gaining proficiency," Assistant Superintendent Megan Grube told the school board in February. The turnaround didn't happen by accident.

After the pandemic left more than two-thirds of students reading below grade level, Maple Run made a bold move. They ditched their old approach and invested in a new curriculum based on the science of reading, a research-backed method that teaches how the brain actually learns to read.

They also unified all three elementary schools under the same curriculum, ending years of inconsistent approaches. At Northwest Career & Technical Center, the results are even more impressive. Students there are meeting literacy standards at a rate 10% higher than the state target.

The wins extend beyond reading. Seven grade levels are improving in math faster than expected, with more than half of students in those grades showing accelerated growth. Attendance is climbing too, with 10% more students on track to have nine or fewer absences this year.

The Ripple Effect

The changes are creating a culture shift across the district. Teachers now meet regularly in small groups to analyze data, set goals, and learn from each other. Staff at the career center have embraced the idea that strong literacy skills aren't just for English class but are crucial for workplace success.

The district isn't stopping at celebrating wins. They're closely monitoring students who still struggle, particularly those from low-income families, students with learning disabilities, and English language learners. Teachers are already planning what adjustments to make for next winter's assessment.

When educators commit to proven methods and support each other, entire communities of kids benefit.