Non-profit Mississippi News – A quarter of third-graders in Mississippi are at risk of being denied entry if they fail to pass the “third grade literacy gate” this summer. On Wednesday, the Mississippi Department of Education announced initial results of its Mississippi Academic Assessment Program for English Language Arts. Overall, 74.5 percent of students passed this exam on their first attempt, compared to 93.2% last year. This is likely because students were required to pass the exam at a higher standard this year. In 2013, the Mississippi Legislature established the Literacy-Based Promotion Act. It requires that all third-graders pass a reading test in order to determine if they are ready for the fourth grade. Students had to score at least two on a five level achievement scale in previous years. Students can either earn a minimum (1), basic (2) or pass (3) score, or a proficient (4), (5) score, depending on their ability. According to the Mississippi Department of Education, 74.5 percent of students achieved this mark. 8.941 students failed to pass their first attempt have two more chances this summer. In a conference call Wednesday with reporters, Carey Wright, state superintendent, stated that “I believe we must hold the bar high” because children’s lives are dependent on it. “We must set a high standard to ensure that children reach it,” Wright said. This year’s pass rate is in line with last year’s. In 2017-18, 73.8 percent scored at least a 3.0 on the first attempt. According to the department’s report, 487 students failed the test last year. The bar for passing was still two or higher. According to the department’s report, 1,398 students failed their second test. Many students who failed to pass were nevertheless promoted to fourth grade due to “good cause exemption”, which covers reasons such as limited English proficiency, students with disabilities and students receiving intensive remediation. According to Mississippi Today’s analysis, 517 children who failed the retests got denied promotion. Wright stated that literacy must be a main focus from pre-K to third grade in order to give students the foundational skills to succeed throughout school. “As we increase expectations for students we must do everything we can to help them achieve higher academic standards.” Wright stated that 80 literacy coaches have been assigned to 182 schools in the state. In June, the department of education will announce which districts will be receiving grants to host summer reading camps. According to the department, students had the chance to retest from May 13-17 and June 24-to-Jul 12, respectively.