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WFES makes major gains in reading proficiency
WFES makes major gains in reading proficiency
Lydia Avant

Ninety percent of third graders in Tuscaloosa City Schools were reading on grade level during the 2024–25 school year — the second consecutive year the district has reached that proficiency rate.

But the real story is in the growth those students made since second grade, said Dr. James Pope, deputy superintendent for Tuscaloosa City Schools. During the 2023–24 school year, 82% of TCS second graders were reading on grade level. A year later, that same group of students improved to a 90% proficiency rate.

The data is based on reading scores from the ACAP assessment, which is administered statewide in Alabama for all elementary students. However, it’s not a test that can simply be taught, Pope said.

“This reflects the dedication of our teachers, the progress our students are making, and the fact that real, meaningful learning is taking place,” Pope said. “The ACAP measures comprehension — you can’t simply teach to the test.”

Several schools across the district saw dramatic one-year gains in reading proficiency, including Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Oakdale Elementary, Skyland Elementary, the Alberta School of Performing Arts and Woodland Forrest Elementary.

At Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, 2023–24 second graders scored 75% proficiency in reading. This year, as third graders, that same cohort scored 92% proficiency — a 17-point increase. Similarly, Skyland Elementary students improved from a 76% proficiency rate in second grade to 90% in third grade. At TASPA, third graders reached 82% proficiency this spring, up 15 percentage points from 67% the year prior.

At Woodland Forrest Elementary, this year's third graders scored 96% proficiency on the ACAP, which was the third highest out of any school in the district. It's also up 14 points from the 83% that the same students scored as second graders last year.

The improvement is especially critical given the Alabama Literacy Act, passed in 2019, which requires third graders to be reading on grade level. Beginning in August 2025, students not meeting that benchmark may be retained. Last school year, nine TCS students were retained due to the law.

This year’s benchmark scores were slightly higher than in 2023–24 for both second and third grades, indicating continued districtwide growth, Pope said. In 2024, the cut scores to be considered reading on grade level were 455 for second graders and 435 for third graders. This year, those thresholds increased to 463 and 444, respectively — meaning students had to demonstrate greater proficiency.

Programs like Reading Allies, which pairs community volunteers with students for targeted reading intervention, have played a significant role in the gains. At TASPA, Oakdale and Central Elementary, 100% of third graders receiving tutoring through Reading Allies benchmarked in reading, meaning none will be retained.

While the district aims for every student to read on grade level, most of the 10% who did not benchmark will not be retained due to exemptions for students receiving special education services or who are English language learners, said Terri Byrts, director of student literacy. Students who did not meet the benchmark are participating in the TCS summer learning program and will have the opportunity to retake the ACAP this summer.

TCS officials expect very few, if any, third graders to be retained due to reading scores.

Superintendent Mike Daria said the latest results reflect a major turnaround in just a few years.

“In 2015–16, only 39% of our third graders were reading on grade level, and that was simply unacceptable,” Daria said. “We made a commitment as a district to change that outcome, and these results show that commitment in action. This progress is a direct result of our focused literacy initiatives, dedicated teachers and strong partnerships with families and the community. We’re proud of the work — and we’re not done yet.”

TV Studio Up and Running
TV Studio Up and Running
Jolynn Fenton

Woodland Forrest's WFES News is up and running. Each morning, it's filled with information to help our students be in the know!  Students run the entire production of our broadcast, equipping them with a variety of technology skills. It's a popular spot as each day, students from all over the school peek in and want to be a part of the excitement.  

WFES recognized for "Top 25" most improved
WFES recognized for "Top 25" most improved
Lydia Avant

The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education recognized three TCS schools Tuesday for being named in the Top 25 Legislative School Performance program by the state of Alabama.

Rock Quarry Elementary was named as a "top 25" school in Alabama. Southview and Woodland Forrest elementaries were also recognized in the "top 25 most improved" category. The initiative, established by state law, rewards schools for excellence or significant improvement in annual rankings.

The top 25 performing schools were selected based on academic success based on the state’s grading system for schools and school districts. The top 25 most improved schools were highlighted for their significant grade improvement.

Several schools in the Tuscaloosa City Schools saw significant progress on the state report card in 2024, but Southview and Woodland Forrest saw some of the biggest jumps in the state, both moving from "D" to "B." Southview Elementary moved from a 62 on the state report card in 2023 to an 81 in 2024. Woodland Forrest moved from a 68 in 2023 to an 83 in 2024.

Rock Quarry received a 99 in 2024.

"We are incredibly proud that three of our schools were recognized as part of this program," said Tuscaloosa Superintendent Mike Daria. "There is excellence occurring in all of our schools, but Rock Quarry, Southview and Woodland Forrest are all examples of high expectations for every student and how we are moving the needle of progress forward."

"One thing we have really tried to do at Rock Quarry is to be intentional about everything we do," said Laura Jockisch, principal of Rock Quarry Elementary. "We intentionally know all of our students, we intentionally work with all of our children, knowing our students' needs socially, emotionally and academically, and knowing the whole child."

One thing that has contributed to the successful culture at Rock Quarry is the PLC process, which has impacted the cohesive spirit at Rock Quarry, she added.

At Southview Elementary, it was clear a couple of years ago when testing data was low that something had to be done, Daria said Tuesday. But Southview Principal Ronika Amerson and her team committed themselves to reversing those low-test scores and doing everything they could to make real improvement at that school. And it worked-- Southview experienced some of the highest growth in scores out of any school in the state, moving from a D to a B in just one year on the state report card.

"We didn't make any excuses, and from that day forward we kept a close eye on every child in the school," Amerson told the board. "We met, let the students know where they were, where they had to go, and met with them every four weeks to ensure they succeeded."

Woodland Forrest Elementary was also recognized as a top 25 most improved school in the state. Teresa Bivens, principal of the school, told the board that it was an entire school effort, to ensure that real progress happened.

"We were not able to be where we are without our teachers, but it's also the (child nutrition program workers), the custodial staff, it's everyone that makes up the school. There is no one position in that school that is more important than another. We were making sure we were intentional and consistent, and looking at the data every four weeks."

The top 25 schools in each category are honored and provided a monetary award, totaling $250,000. Schools with the most improvement will receive larger sums.

"This is another sign that what we are doing is working and is a result of all of the hard work and effort being done by our teachers, students, administrators and families," Daria said.

The schools were recognized during a state board meeting in Montgomery last week.

James Spann Visit
James Spann Visit
Mallory Cook

Students at Woodland-Forrest's STEAM (Science, Engineering, Technology, Arts and Math) Camp enjoyed a visit from meteorologist James Spann. Spann taught the students about weather, and the students were featured on ABC 33/40 News.