Mansfield, LA-DeSoto Parish Schools are proud to announce significant gains in early literacy for the 2024-25 academic year. Recent DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) data shows districtwide measurable improvement in reading proficiency.
At the start of the school year, 49% of third-grade students were reading at or above grade level. By the end of the year, that figure had risen to 63%, a 14-percentage-point gain. These gains represent continued growth compared to 50% of students at or above the benchmark at the end of the 2023-24 school year.
“This amount of growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication DeSoto Parish teachers bring to the table every day,” said Supervisor of Student Learning Willa Smith. “We look forward to our continued growth and improvement to make our students the most successful readers and citizens in our community and state.”
Furthermore, third-grade students demonstrated a 2-percentage-point increase from fall 2024 to winter 2024 screening windows, reflecting the district’s ongoing commitment to sustaining literacy progress throughout the academic year.
School-Level Results for 3rd Grade Literacy – End of Year 2024-25
Logansport High School: 89% of students at or above benchmark
Mansfield Elementary: 49% of students at or above benchmark
North DeSoto Upper Elementary: 62% of students at or above benchmark
Stanley High School: 78% of students at or above benchmark
Notably, both second and third grades made substantial improvements in literacy from fall 2023 to fall 2024, underscoring districtwide momentum in foundational reading achievement.
“Reading on grade level by third grade is a make-or-break milestone,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “These results show we are moving in the right direction, but we must keep our foot on the gas. Every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.”
Louisiana Legislation Reinforces the Importance of Early Literacy
This progress aligns with key legislative efforts to strengthen early literacy in Louisiana. Act No. 520 mandates the use of a literacy screener for all kindergarten through third-grade students in traditional public schools. Complementing this, Act No. 422 introduces R.S. 17:24.11, which requires that third-grade students who score at the lowest level on the screener may not be promoted to fourth grade.
This promotion policy does not apply to students in public charter schools. These laws emphasize the importance of early intervention and reflect the state’s commitment to ensuring all students build strong reading skills by the end of third grade.
Supporting Literacy at Home
DeSoto Parish Schools recognize the crucial role families play in cultivating lifelong readers. Parents and guardians are encouraged to:
Create a reading-friendly home environment.
Read aloud with their children regularly.
Incorporate vocabulary and language-building activities into everyday routines.
The Louisiana Department of Education offers various Family Literacy Resources to support literacy development. These tools empower families to build confident, capable readers at home.
DeSoto Parish Schools remain steadfast in their mission to foster a love of reading, accelerate student learning, and ensure every child is equipped with the literacy skills needed for lifelong success.