Nebraska's education leaders are sounding the alarm on the state's reading proficiency crisis, with alarming statistics revealing that fourth graders are struggling more than ever. During the February 2025 State Board of Education meeting, experts highlighted a troubling downward trend in student performance, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Teresa, a reading interventionist and certified dyslexia specialist, drew attention to the stark contrast between Nebraska and Mississippi, which has seen remarkable improvements in reading scores over the past decade. "Mississippi's fourth graders have surged from 49th to 9th in national rankings," she noted, attributing this success to a comprehensive approach to literacy that includes early identification and intervention for dyslexia. The so-called "Mississippi Miracle" is credited to strategic teacher training and the implementation of structured literacy programs, which Nebraska aims to replicate.

The meeting also featured Joe Goddard, a parent and vice president of the Nebraska Dyslexia Association, who emphasized the urgent need for systemic changes in how dyslexia is addressed in schools. He pointed out that approximately 73,000 K-12 students in Nebraska are likely affected by dyslexia, yet many remain unidentified due to a lack of proper screening and intervention. "We can't wait another generation of Nebraska students to struggle with a problem we already know how to solve," he urged, calling for universal early dyslexia screening and accountability for schools.

The discussions underscored a critical action gap in Nebraska's education system, where existing laws aimed at improving literacy for students with dyslexia are not being effectively implemented. As the board considers the Nebraska literacy plan, the focus remains on ensuring that all students, regardless of their challenges, have access to high-quality reading instruction. The meeting concluded with a call to action for educators and policymakers to prioritize literacy and address the pressing needs of Nebraska's children.