This topic reflects the number of public school third grade students testing at or above the 50th percentile ranking nationally in reading, based on scores in the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program. California's STAR program began in 1998 and requires that nearly all students in grades 2-11 be tested annually. From 1998 to 2002, the STAR program used the Stanford Achievement Test (Stanford 9, or SAT-9), and beginning in 2003, the California Achievement Test (CAT/6). According to the California Department of Education, results from the SAT-9 and CAT/6 tests cannot be directly compared. Test scores include English Learner (EL) students, who are designated by the schools as not fluent in English.

Third grade reading scores are highly correlated with later academic success. By the end of third grade, children should show evidence of reading comprehension and be able to read unfamiliar words by employing various strategies, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Early intervention is critical for children who are struggling with reading.

United Way of the Bay Area is committed to ensuring that all schools provide a quality education for their students. We are especially focused on elementary school students and building their literacy skills, which are fundamental to future opportunities and lifelong success. An important part of our work is measuring student achievement and school progress by keeping track of standardized test scores.