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Nearly half of South Dakota students are not meeting grade-level expectations in English language arts. It’s a statistic that deserves attention, but it’s also an opportunity to look more closely at how we support students as they learn to read.
According to South Dakota’s 2024–25 Report Card, 52% of students demonstrated proficiency in English language arts. National data shows a similar challenge. Between 2003 and 2024, South Dakota’s average fourth-grade reading score on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) declined eight points, from 222 to 214.
Behind these numbers are students learning to navigate increasingly complex texts, educators working to meet diverse learning needs, and families looking for ways to support their children’s success.
Improving literacy outcomes isn’t about finding one program or quick fix. It takes strong instruction, meaningful family partnerships, informed decisions, and consistent support.
Literacy Takes All of Us
Learning to read begins long before a child enters a classroom, and literacy development continues well beyond the elementary years.
Research shows that early literacy experiences play an important role in later reading success. The home learning environment, including access to books, opportunities to practice reading, and early exposure to language, can also influence literacy development.
But simply encouraging families to read more isn’t always enough.
A review of family literacy interventions found that parent involvement positively influences children’s reading development. More importantly, the research showed that teaching families specific literacy activities was more effective than simply asking them to listen to their children read.
The takeaway? Families want to help, and giving them practical tools can make that support more meaningful.
Through our Science of Reading Family Engagement supports, schools can connect classroom learning with home through family workshops, literacy backpacks, customizable resources, and engaging family events.
When families understand how children learn to read and have strategies they can use at home, they become stronger partners in the learning process.
Supporting Educators, Strengthening Instruction
While families play an important role, effective classroom instruction remains essential to developing strong readers. And literacy instruction doesn’t end when students learn to decode words.
As students progress through school, they’re expected to comprehend increasingly complex texts, build vocabulary, communicate ideas through writing, and apply literacy skills across subjects.
Meeting those needs requires educators to have access to research-based practices, relevant professional learning, and opportunities to put new strategies into action. That’s where ongoing support makes a difference.
We offer Literacy Solutions that help schools strengthen instruction across grade levels. From foundational reading skills and the Science of Reading to assessment practices, literacy leadership, and instructional coaching, support can be customized to meet the needs of individual schools and districts.
And because meaningful change takes time, professional learning doesn’t have to end after one training. Coaching, collaborative planning, classroom modeling, and ongoing support help educators turn new knowledge into everyday practice.
Turning Literacy Data Into Meaningful Action
Assessment scores can help identify where students are struggling, but understanding what those numbers mean is just as important.
Consider a school where reading proficiency has remained relatively unchanged. The data might raise important questions:
- Are students struggling with foundational skills, comprehension, or both?
- Are educators using assessments that provide actionable information?
- What instructional strategies are working, and where might students need additional support?
- How can school teams work together to address identified needs?
Answering these questions takes more than reviewing a report. It requires thoughtful conversations, collaboration, and a plan for moving forward.
We partner with schools and districts to examine literacy practices, interpret assessment data, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Through Classroom & Team Support educators and school leaders can work together to strengthen instructional practices, build collaborative systems, and turn data into decisions that support student learning.
The goal isn’t simply to improve a score. It’s to understand what students need and create the conditions that help them succeed.
Building Stronger Literacy Systems Together
The literacy data tells us there’s work to do, but it doesn’t define what’s possible.
Every school has different strengths, challenges, and priorities. Some may need support strengthening foundational reading instruction. Others may be focused on professional learning, using assessment data more effectively, or building stronger partnerships with families.
No single approach meets every need.
What matters is bringing the right people, practices, and resources together to create lasting improvements.
At Compass, we work alongside schools, educators, families, and communities to do just that. Whether you’re exploring Science of Reading professional learning, instructional coaching, family engagement resources, or a combination of services, we’re here to help you identify the next steps.
Strong readers start with strong support. And building that support is work we can do together.
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