Early literacy skills are critical to a successful school experience. Third grade is considered an important milestone in a student's career in terms of reading proficiency and is correlated to whether a student will graduate high school.

In 2022, 35% of 3rd graders were proficient on the state exam, 3 points below the level in 2019, the last year for which results were available. Females outperformed males, with 36% of girls achieving proficiency, compared to 34% of boys. Economically disadvantaged students had a lower proficiency rate at 27%.

In addition, there were racial and ethnic disparities in proficiency, with 20% of Black/African American students, 28% of Hispanic or Latino students, 41% of white students and 60% of Asian students achieving proficiency in 2022. All rates were several points lower than they had been pre-pandemic.

Responsive Ed Solutions NW Arkansas Classical Academy had the highest proficiency rate at 65%, while a few districts had rates in the single digits. In the state's largest district, Little Rock, 29% of 3rd graders were proficient.

As assessments vary among states, it is not possible to include comparable data for the nation or other areas in this indicator. Economically disadvantaged students are those who are eligible to receive free or reduced price lunches. Results for prior years are not comparable as the state adjusted the test.