The Mississippi Department of Education announced Tuesday that non-profit Mississippi News Kindergarteners scored higher on the literacy test in each district. On the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, the state average rose from 504 to 710 in spring. This is on par with the previous year’s results. The student average increased from 502 in the fall to 710 during the spring 2016-17 school year. This test assesses students’ ability recognize letters and match them with sounds. It also measures their ability to read print from left-to-right. Averages at the district level ranged between 626 and 794 in spring. According to MDE, the target score for the year was 681 or higher. 123 districts achieved this goal. Students are learning to read and can read independently. Carey Wright, the state superintendent, stated that the results were validating the efforts of kindergarten teachers throughout the state. Wright stated that reading instruction should be a main focus for children through third grade and beyond in order to help them develop strong reading skills. “Reading is the gateway into learning.” The state’s early learning collaborations for pre-kindergarteners were also tested. These are run by local communities that receive funding to support high quality early childhood education and developmental services. These children scored an average of 573 points, which is higher than the 498 target score at the end of the year. You can view the full results here.