Nancy Mercante, Founder & President of Citizens for Delaware Schools, CRI Contributor

Delaware has a law requiring struggling third-grade readers to be held back and given additional support—but no one is publicly tracking whether it’s actually working. While other states report results and show measurable gains, Delaware families and policymakers are left without clear answers. Without transparency and timely data, it’s impossible to know whether students are improving or simply being passed along.

Delaware’s $8 million push for early literacy may not help students already behind, as those who can’t read by third grade face higher dropout risks. Stronger retention policies—paired with targeted support—can improve outcomes, but inconsistent standards across districts weaken their impact.

Delaware’s students are in crisis. New national and state test results show steep declines in reading and math proficiency — only 41% of students meet reading standards and 34% meet math. Teachers are overburdened with nonacademic duties, while programs meant to close achievement gaps show little progress. Delaware must urgently refocus on classroom instruction, evidence-based reading, and teacher support to restore literacy, accountability, and student success.