Did You Know? Kindergarten Skills Can Predict 3rd Grade Success

Research shows that a child’s reading and math skills in kindergarten are powerful predictors of their academic success by third grade.

In fact, researchers found that students’ abilities when they enter kindergarten strongly forecast whether they will reach grade-level proficiency just three years later.

The Findings Are Eye-Opening

• Only 1 in 10 of the lowest-performing kindergarten students reached proficiency in reading and math by third grade.
• By the end of first grade, the odds dropped even further: Only 1 in 50 struggling students caught up to grade level by third grade.

Why Does This Matter?

Third grade is a major academic milestone. By this point, children transition from learning to read to reading to learn.

Students who are proficient readers and have strong math foundations by the end of third grade are more likely to experience long-term academic success, graduate from high school, and pursue higher education and rewarding careers.

Early Intervention Works

The good news is that early intervention works. Identifying learning gaps from kindergarten through third grade gives children the best opportunity to build the strong literacy and math foundations they need for future success.

The earlier we intervene, the greater the opportunity to change a child’s academic future.