Why Reading Ready By Third Grade

In the third grade, students are laying a foundation for their academic careers. "[Reading proficiency] is linked to high school performance, graduation, and college enrollment for Wisconsin students," according to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

As of the 2016-2017 school year, 55% of Kenosha County public school students were below proficient in third grade reading based on the Forward Exam results, a state assessment. Meaning that in a third grade classroom of 20 students, 11 are not reading at grade level.  

Georgetown University estimates “65 percent of all jobs in the [year 2020] economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school.”

Preparing for higher education begins well before high school.  Third grade reading is a great way to get your child started.

Building Our Future sees the importance of third grade reading and its impact on a child’s future.  In 2018, we will be creating a Third Grade Reading Action Network that will focus on having all of Kenosha County’s youth reading proficient by the third grade.  

How You Can Help
Third Grade Reading levels don’t only improve through going to school.  Anyone can be a reading role model to a child.  Consider becoming one by:

• Becoming a tutor with United Way of Kenosha County’s Early Grade Reading Tutoring Program, contact Laurie McDonald 
• Reading to your own children daily
• Sharing the importance of reading with your family and friends
• Donating books to your local school
• Making sure your family has a library card with the Kenosha Public Library

Article written by Marley Uran
Communications Intern
University of Wisconsin Parkside
​Published by Kenosha News

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