New data shows early‑grade reading remains below pre‑pandemic levels, with first‑ and second‑graders lagging as math rises.

In early 2026, a small group of first-grade students at Lucy Wortham James Elementary School in St. James, Missouri, sat together sounding out words. Kim Williams, the school’s principal, watched as ...

Incoming first-graders offered advice to students starting first grade this year. Many students said they were nervous on their first day but made friends quickly. Reading, math and making friends ...