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News Release

Estacada Third Graders Post Largest Reading Gain Among Mid-Size And Large Districts In Oregon - 10/12/26

 Estacada Third Graders Post Largest Reading Gain Among Mid-Size and Large Districts in Oregon

Third-grade reading proficiency jumps nearly 15 points to 52%, more than 10 points above the state average

 

Estacada School District third graders posted the largest one-year reading gain of any mid-size or large district in Oregon, according to 2025-26 state assessment results released by the Oregon Department of Education on September 24th. The share of Estacada third graders meeting or exceeding state standards in English Language Arts rose from 37.2% to 52.0%, a gain of 14.8 points. Statewide, third-grade reading proficiency rose 1.2 points to 41.5%. Among the 88 Oregon districts with 75 or more third graders tested, Estacada's gain ranked first. The progress extends beyond third grade. Estacada's fourth- and fifth-grade students also posted reading proficiency rates above the state average, demonstrating encouraging results across multiple elementary grade levels.

 

“Reading by the end of third grade is one of the strongest predictors of a student's future success," said Dr. Ryan Carpenter, superintendent of Estacada School District. "These results reflect the daily work of our teachers and the support of our families. We're proud of our students, and we're focused on building on this momentum in every grade."

 

District leaders credit the gains to an early literacy plan grounded in the science of reading, the research on how children learn to read. Every K-2 teacher in the district was trained in the approach. The plan changed how reading is taught, building a system designed to reach every student. All students learn from a knowledge-building curriculum that grows their vocabulary and background knowledge alongside core reading skills. Through tiered instruction, students who need more support get it, and those who fall behind receive high-dosage tutoring.

 

“Our team has been intentional about following the science of reading in every classroom, every day," said Jennifer Behrman, Estacada’s Director of Teaching and Learning.  "Our teachers and staff have worked hard to strengthen literacy instruction, with support from literacy experts who observe lessons and provide feedback through our partnership with Stand for Children. REID Days and high dosage tutoring give students extra time for targeted learning. Seeing our third graders rise almost 15 points in one year shows what's possible."

 

The results continue a broader trend of academic growth in the district. Estacada's overall math proficiency rose 6.5 points to 31.7%, its highest level in state data going back to 2017-18. Science proficiency reached 36.6%, six points above the state average.

 

Full 2025-26 assessment results are available on the Oregon Department of Education website.

 

Estacada Third Graders Post Largest Reading Gain Among Mid-Size And Large Districts In Oregon - 10/12/26

 Estacada Third Graders Post Largest Reading Gain Among Mid-Size and Large Districts in Oregon

Third-grade reading proficiency jumps nearly 15 points to 52%, more than 10 points above the state average

 

Estacada School District third graders posted the largest one-year reading gain of any mid-size or large district in Oregon, according to 2025-26 state assessment results released by the Oregon Department of Education on September 24th. The share of Estacada third graders meeting or exceeding state standards in English Language Arts rose from 37.2% to 52.0%, a gain of 14.8 points. Statewide, third-grade reading proficiency rose 1.2 points to 41.5%. Among the 88 Oregon districts with 75 or more third graders tested, Estacada's gain ranked first. The progress extends beyond third grade. Estacada's fourth- and fifth-grade students also posted reading proficiency rates above the state average, demonstrating encouraging results across multiple elementary grade levels.

 

“Reading by the end of third grade is one of the strongest predictors of a student's future success," said Dr. Ryan Carpenter, superintendent of Estacada School District. "These results reflect the daily work of our teachers and the support of our families. We're proud of our students, and we're focused on building on this momentum in every grade."

 

District leaders credit the gains to an early literacy plan grounded in the science of reading, the research on how children learn to read. Every K-2 teacher in the district was trained in the approach. The plan changed how reading is taught, building a system designed to reach every student. All students learn from a knowledge-building curriculum that grows their vocabulary and background knowledge alongside core reading skills. Through tiered instruction, students who need more support get it, and those who fall behind receive high-dosage tutoring.

 

“Our team has been intentional about following the science of reading in every classroom, every day," said Jennifer Behrman, Estacada’s Director of Teaching and Learning.  "Our teachers and staff have worked hard to strengthen literacy instruction, with support from literacy experts who observe lessons and provide feedback through our partnership with Stand for Children. REID Days and high dosage tutoring give students extra time for targeted learning. Seeing our third graders rise almost 15 points in one year shows what's possible."

 

The results continue a broader trend of academic growth in the district. Estacada's overall math proficiency rose 6.5 points to 31.7%, its highest level in state data going back to 2017-18. Science proficiency reached 36.6%, six points above the state average.

 

Full 2025-26 assessment results are available on the Oregon Department of Education website.