Delaware reading scores show modest gains amid long-term literacy goals

Delaware students showed modest improvements in reading proficiency according to the latest statewide assessment results released by the Delaware Department of Education. Third-grade English language arts proficiency rose from 39% in 2025 to 40% in 2026, while proficiency across grades 3 through 8 increased from 41% to 42%.

Despite these gains, the state remains significantly behind its 2028 goal of 53% proficiency for third graders. To reach this target, Delaware must close a 13-percentage-point gap over the next two testing cycles.

Data indicates that schools receiving targeted state-supported literacy coaching saw much higher growth than the state average. Among eight schools with literacy coaches, proficiency levels increased by an average of nearly 7 percentage points, compared to the 1-point statewide increase. Notable improvements included 12-percentage-point gains at Johnson Elementary and Las Americas ASPIRA Academy, and an 11-percentage-point increase at Gateway Charter School.