Seventy-two percent of Arkansas parents say their kids get B’s or better. Yet only 40% of children statewide are currently reading on grade level. Ensuring that families can make informed decisions about their children’s education begins with knowing exactly where their child is academically.

Under the Arkansas LEARNS Act, third-grade students are expected to meet a minimum reading standard to be promoted to fourth grade. That means it’s important for families to use multiple sources of information – end-of-year state tests, assessment results throughout the year, homework, quizzes, and observations from the classroom and at home, to understand their child’s reading progress.

The good news? Putting the pieces together can give you the full picture of how your child is progressing. In fact, you can play a big role in helping your child enjoy reading, meet grade-level standards and thrive in and out of the classroom. The Go Beyond Grades campaign encourages you to support your child’s learning at home this summer by taking these steps:

1. Check your child’s reading progress. Log into the ATLAS portal to get your child’s most recent state test results. This is the best way to see if they are meeting grade-level standards or if they need more support. If your child’s Spring 2026 score doesn’t appear, reach out to your child’s school.
2. Connect to summer learning resources. Use the Arkansas State Library’s interactive map to find free summer reading programs near you and get suggestions for books to read with your child. Take time to read together for 15-20 minutes every day. These simple habits will help keep your child on track (and avoid the “summer slide”). You can also check out R.I.S.E. Arkansas Family Resources for free K-8 tools.
3. Remember to have fun. Kids will be more excited about learning and literacy when it’s fun. Fortunately, summer is a great time to combine your child’s interests with free and fun learning opportunities at home and in your community. For example, if your child loves a particular sport, encourage them to read up on the history of the game and their favorite players. If they love cooking or crafting, following the steps of a project or recipe is a great way to practice reading skills while doing something they are passionate about. With a little creativity, any activity can be an opportunity for you to spend time with your child while they learn and grow.

“When families have clear information and the right tools, they can change the trajectory of their child’s reading journey,” said Kathy French, executive director of AR Kids Read. “In partnership with Learning Heroes and the Go Beyond Grades Campaign, AR Kids Read is working directly with communities across Arkansas to help families understand school assessments and how to support their child’s reading at home. Together, we can ensure every child has the support they need to become a confident reader.”

Free tools, tips, and resources for families can be found in both Spanish and English by visiting gobeyondgrades.org/Arkansas.