DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to announce that the Louisiana Department of Education has released statewide literacy screener results for the 2025–2026 school year, and DeSoto Parish has earned the #1 ranking in Louisiana for the percentage of Kindergarten through Third-Grade students reading at or above grade level by the end of the year.
The achievement comes as Louisiana continues to make significant strides in early literacy. Statewide literacy screener results released by the Louisiana Department of Education show that K–3 reading proficiency increased from 49.7% at the beginning of the school year to 66.2% by end-of-year for Louisiana students, representing a statewide gain of 16.5 percentage points. This marks the third consecutive year of significant literacy growth across Louisiana public schools.
While Louisiana students continue to demonstrate strong progress, DeSoto Parish Schools led the state in overall literacy performance. Locally, the percentage of students reading at or above grade level increased from 66% at the beginning of year to 80.4% at the end of the school year, representing a 14.4 point increase and reflecting the district's ongoing commitment to ensuring every student develops strong foundational reading skills.
DeSoto Parish Schools' literacy success is the result of a deliberate, student-centered approach led by dedicated teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders. Throughout the school year, educators utilized high-quality Tier I instructional materials aligned to the Science of Reading, participated in ongoing coaching and professional learning, and engaged in regular data reviews to monitor the progress of every student. Through strategic WIN (What I Need) intervention and extension periods, teachers provided targeted support for students needing additional instruction while extending learning opportunities for students performing at or above grade level. By consistently analyzing student data, identifying individual learning needs, and developing intentional plans for support and enrichment, DeSoto educators ensured that every child received the instruction necessary to become a successful reader.
School-Level DIBELS Results
School-level literacy performance data further highlights DeSoto’s progress. Linked progress reports for each school’s Dibels results are available below:
“These results are a reflection of the incredible dedication our teachers, families, and students bring to learning every single day, and I am grateful for each of them”, said Superintendent Clay Corley.
“Reading is not just a subject, it is the foundation upon which every other lesson, every other dream, and every other achievement is built. When a child learns to read, we open a door that never closes. This result tells me that the children of DeSoto Parish are walking through that door, and we will keep working to make sure every single one of them does.”
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.
For more information on Louisiana’s literacy proficiency results for the 2025-2026 school year, visit the Louisiana Department of Education website.