Oregon’s Most Neglected K-5 Schools in Reading

Oregon’s most neglected K-5 schools when it comes to reading are located all across the state. These designations are the result of decades of chronic, systemic underinvestment in low-income communities throughout Oregon. “Most Neglected Schools” reflects Oregon’s lack of collective support of these students - it is in no way a reflection of our kids and their infinite potential. CLICK HERE to see which 42 schools across the state have remained at the lowest 3rd-5th grade proficiency in reading since 2018. Our students who struggle with reading deserve access to the same transformative literacy instruction and tools as in wealthier zip codes.

In June 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed the Early Literacy Success Initiative which dedicated $90 million to school districts to use towards research-aligned efforts to increase literacy rates and decrease academic disparities. Alongside other advocates, Oregon Kids Read fought hard to make sure that those funds are prioritized for schools that struggle the most with reading. We are very grateful to legislators for making this explicit in the legislation: Rules shall, to the greatest extent practicable, prioritize schools with the lowest rates of proficiency in literacy.

Making sure prioritization actually happens is going to take vigilance - Oregon Kids Read is dedicated to continuing to elevate the importance of focusing the state’s finite resources where they are needed the most.

Interested in what research-aligned instruction looks like? Watch below!