Mansfield, LA- DeSoto Parish Schools are proud to announce significant gains in early literacy for the 2025–2026 academic year, highlighting the district’s ongoing commitment to student success. Recent data from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment shows measurable improvement in reading proficiency across kindergarten through third grade.
Districtwide results indicate that the percentage of K–3 students reading at or above grade level increased from 70% at the end of the 2024–2025 school year to 80% in 2025–2026—representing a notable 10-point gain.
“This growth reflects the strong commitment of our educators, students, and families to excellence in early literacy,” said Willa Smith, Supervisor of Student Learning.
“Grounded in our core values of high performance and making a difference, we have remained focused on ensuring every child builds a strong literacy foundation. This milestone is not just a measure of progress, but a testament to what is possible when a community aligns around student success.”
School-Level DIBELS Results
School-level literacy performance data further highlights the district’s progress. Linked progress reports for each school’s Dibels results are available below:
"Early literacy is undeniably the single most important indicator of a student's future success,” said Superintendent Clay Corley.
“ Reaching this 80% proficiency milestone doesn't happen by accident; it is the direct result of the hard work and high performance of our teachers in the classroom, combined with the irreplaceable support of our families at home. Together, we are living out our mission to make a difference in the lives of our students by building the strong literacy foundation our students need for lifelong success."
Louisiana Legislation Reinforces the Importance of Early Literacy
DeSoto Parish Schools’ progress aligns with legislative efforts aimed at strengthening literacy outcomes statewide. Act No. 520 mandates the use of a literacy screener for all kindergarten through third-grade students in traditional public schools. Additionally, Act No. 422 (R.S. 17:24.11) requires that third-grade students who score at the lowest achievement level on the literacy screener may not be promoted to fourth grade.
These measures underscore the urgency and importance of ensuring all students achieve foundational reading skills by the end of third grade.
Supporting Literacy at Home
DeSoto Parish Schools recognize that families play a critical role in developing strong readers. Parents and guardians are encouraged to support literacy at home by:
Creating a reading-friendly environment
Reading aloud with their children regularly
Incorporating vocabulary and language-building activities into daily routines
The Louisiana Department of Education also provides a range of Family Literacy Resources designed to support reading development 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.