Huntsville’s McDonnell Elementary among schools with high percentages below benchmark
SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama’s Literacy Act is making its mark on classrooms, with nearly 4,727 third graders statewide repeating the grade this fall after failing to meet proficiency standards on the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reading exam.
According to the Alabama State Board of Education, more than 55,930 third graders were tested last spring. Roughly 6,470 students initially scored below grade level. After summer reading camps, exemptions, and retesting, the retention number was reduced to 8.5% statewide.
Huntsville Snapshot:
McDonnell Elementary In Huntsville City Schools, the statewide data reveals striking differences from school to school. At McDonnell Elementary, located in southwest Huntsville, 41.3% of students scored below the benchmark cutoff of 444 on the ACAP reading test. This rate placed McDonnell among the highest percentages of struggling readers in the state.
While district-wide figures for Huntsville City Schools are not yet available, McDonnell’s results highlight the challenges some campuses face in meeting the state’s higher cut score this year.
The school, serving Pre-K through 5th grade near Redstone Arsenal and southwest Huntsville neighborhoods, has been under pressure to strengthen literacy supports. Parents and teachers say additional resources like reading coaches and tutoring will be critical moving forward.
Mixed Results Across the State
Retention numbers varied widely by district:
• Birmingham City Schools: 35 students were retained after receiving exemptions.
• Tuscaloosa City Schools: 13 retained.
• Shelby County Schools: Only three students were retained out of 1,637.
• Hoover City Schools: One retained student, thanks to a large team of part-time interventionists.
These disparities highlight the significant role that access to resources—such as summer reading programs and targeted interventions—plays in determining outcomes.
The Bigger Picture
State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said retention numbers were higher this year partly because of an increased cut score. He also expressed concern that more than 2,400 families chose not to pursue retesting or summer reading camps.
“Every child deserves the chance to be a strong reader,” Mackey said. “That foundation is critical—not just for fourth grade, but for life.”
As Alabama doubles down on literacy, McDonnell Elementary’s numbers reflect the uphill climb in Huntsville—and the urgent need to ensure that no student is left behind.