Is your child ready for the next grade?
In Arkansas, 84% of parents believe their child is reading at or above grade level.*
Yet only 40% of students are meeting grade-level expectations.**
Families want the full picture of how their child is doing in school.
Start the School Year Strong: Three Ways to Support Learning
CONNECT with your child’s teacher
Reach out at the beginning of the school year to jumpstart a strong partnership with your child’s teacher.
Protip:
You are the expert on your child. Use the Dear Teacher Letter to share what you know about how your child learns, where they shine, and where they need more support to set the year up for success.
CHECK on your child’s progress in reading and math
Use these simple steps to log into the ATLAS portal to get your child’s most recent state test results, including any beginning-of-year screeners.
Third Grade Families: You’ll receive a beginning-of-year promotion letter letting you know if your child is currently on track to be promoted to 4th grade.
Protip:
If your child needs extra reading support, ask whether they have an Individual Reading Plan, which explains the skills your child needs help with and how you can support at home.
CREATE a plan with your child’s teacher
Make a plan to support your child in school and at home and stay in contact about their progress. By knowing what’s expected this year, you can find online and community resources to support specific skills.
Protip:
Check out R.I.S.E. Arkansas Family Resources for more free K-8 tools and activities.
Did You Know?
The Arkansas LEARNS Act is meant to give every Arkansas student a strong reading foundation before advancing to 4th grade.
Since going into effect, the LEARNS Act has sparked significant increases in third-grade reading proficiency (36% in 2024 to 43% in 2026).
For third-grade students who are not yet reading on grade level, schools will provide:
- Additional reading instruction
- Access to tutoring
- Connection to in school and/or after-school support, if needed
- A personalized Read-at-Home Plan
Questions? Connect with your child’s teacher.
Teachers report that the #1 way for a family to know how their student is doing is through regular, direct communication with the teacher—not just looking at grades.
Check out these stories about why it matters to go beyond grades.
Partner Resources
Check out more free tools and resources
What does my child’s test score mean for their promotion to 4th grade? How do I access the parent portal to see the results?
Use this toolkit to decode the ATLAS Individual Student Report (ISR), understand the different proficiency levels, and see exactly where your child stands.
Where can I find free educational programs in my county? How can my local library help my child stay on track this year?
Use this map to find public libraries near you and connect with free educational programs, events, and resources for kids of all ages.