In 2010, state lawmakers approved legislation called Move on When Reading (MOWR) in the Grand Canyon state. Led first by the Arizona State Board of Education, and then by the Arizona Department of Education, the $45 million statewide program was fully implemented in 2013 and designed to provide a comprehensive approach to K-3 literacy learning ensuring all students read on grade level by the end of third grade. Starting as early as kindergarten, teachers and administrators focus on identifying students with reading difficulties and provide those students with specialized supports and interventions to address their specific reading needs to ensure they are on track toward grade level reading. MOWR also ensures third grade students demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to fourth grade.
In 2018, Arizona lawmakers gave final approval to several improvements to the MOWR law. Highlights of HB 2520, sponsored by Representative Doug Coleman include:
The small but mighty Arizona Department of Education’s MOWR team has been working diligently to put these policy improvements into practice. And their work is paying off! Arizona third graders are making progress. Since 2015, there has been a steady climb in proficiency.
It is so exciting to continue to witness Arizona principals, teachers and students’ hard work continue to pay off. Keep it up Arizona!
