This semester, 42% of first- through sixth-graders who took the Star reading test met or exceeded grade-level standards. Meanwhile, 1,233 did not meet or nearly met grade-level standards in reading.

That said, fourth-grade math scores still remained below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, with one exception: Alabama was the only state where fourth-graders' average math scores surpassed 2019 scores.

Second-graders had the highest scores of the three grade levels, with 48% at or above level. They typically score better because they already have foundational skills, Hernandez said.