In 2022, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment passing rate for third grade students in reading was 50.7%. This passing rate means that only one half of third grade students assessed can read at grade level. Proficient reading at third grade is a key indicator of future success. These low scores are having a drastic effect on students as they continue through school with a reading deficiency.

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2022 Reading Proficiency

of Blaine and Coon Rapids Schools

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Percentages represent students who scored at or above proficiency

levels on their state reading/language arts assessment test.

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Madison Elementary - Blaine: 62.9%

Sunrise Elementary - Blaine: 62.6%

Hoover Elementary - Coon Rapids: 60.1%

Eisenhower Elementary - Coon Rapids: 58.1%

Johnsville Elementary - Blaine: 56.9%

Sand Creek Elementary - Coon Rapids: 54.6%

University Ave Elementary - Blaine: 49.8%

Jefferson Elementary - Blaine: 49.4%

Morris Bye Elementary - Coon Rapids: 44.8%

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Roosevelt Middle - Blaine: 60.3%

Northdale Middle - Coon Rapids: 53.5%

Coon Rapids Middle - Coon Rapids: 40.5%

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Blaine High School: 61.7%

Coon Rapids High School: 56.2%

 

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, reading scores in the Anoka-Hennepin School District dropped from 65.4% in 2018 to 54.9% in 2022. The district is taking steps to ensure academic readiness in Pre-K through 3rd Grade in reading and math. Unfortunately, these goals are not increasing middle and high school reading proficiencies, and it is in the students' best interests to restore their academic excellence.

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This decline started even before the Covid-19 pandemic. Anoka-Hennepin has amazing teachers and support staff in its schools, and they need everyone's support to reverse this declining trend in academic performance.

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What Steps Zach Arco Will Propose

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1. Reevaluate the current district Local Literacy Plan and investigate any weaknesses in the program.

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2. Teach and Model social skills including cooperation, empathy, respect, and self-control to students while reducing classroom disruptions to help create a safe learning environment.

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3. Provide the teachers the support they need to create a classroom environment free of disruptions.

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4. Strengthen the use of phonics in all Pre-K through 3rd Grade classrooms.

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5. Redirect misused school funding to increase teacher salaries in order to retain teachers in the district and to encourage new hiring to address the teacher shortage.