Early reading skills play critical role in long-term academic achievement

By Becky Ginos

UTAH STATE CAPITOL— In 2025, only 50.3% of third graders met grade-level proficiency in reading. That is according to a report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, commissioned by the Clark and Christine Ivory foundation, showing that early childhood reading competency plays a critical role in future academic success.

More Davis Journal Stories

• “Nominate a Utah Top Workplace for 2026”

  By Salt Lake Business Journal Staff

• “'Clue' delivers a murderously good time”

  By Peri Kinder, The City Journals

• “City leaders balance infrastructure needs against tax concerns”

  By Cindy Mansell, The City Journals

Local News

• “Romance scammers target 11 million older adults, using AI to steal money”

  By Kelly Chapman, FOX 13

• “Utah Governor calls for a focus on sports, not politics, at Winter Games”

  By Lisa Riley Roche, Deseret News

• “Jobs report shows a historic stall in hiring last year”

  By Tim Henderson, Utah News Dispatch

• Galentine’s Party

  Thursday, Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m.

  Layton Hills Mall, 1201 N. Hill Field Road, Layton,

• Valencrimes!

  Thursday, Feb. 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m., FREE

  Layton Library, 155 N. Wasatch Drive

• Utah Symphony: Disney and Pixar’s Up in Concert

  Feb. 12-14, 7 p.m.

  Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City

• Guided Nature Trail Walk

  Friday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m., FREE

  Eccles Wildlife Education Center, 1157 S. Waterfowl Way, Farmington

• West Bountiful Arts Council Concert: Susie Carter

  Friday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

  West Bountiful City Hall, 550 N. 800 West

• Valentine's Love to Run 10K

  Saturday, Feb. 14, 8 a.m., Optional Donation $10

  Frontrunner Station, 140 N. West Union Ave., Farmington

• Davis County Pride Valentine’s Pancake Breakfast

  Saturday, Feb. 14, 9-11 a.m., $5

  On Pitch Performing Arts, 587 N. Main Street, Layton

• Children’s Shrinky Dink Activity

  Saturday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., FREE

  Eccles Wildlife Education Center, 1157 S. Waterfowl Way, Farmington

• Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance

  Saturday, Feb. 14, $56 per person

  Davis Conference Center, 1651 N. 700 West, Layton