Reading is an essential foundation for learning. In 2016, Alaska's Education Challenge was developed with five measurable goals. Supporting students to read at grade level by the end of third grade is the priority as the department seeks to meet the goals established in 2016. Reading proficiency impacts students, state, and society far beyond the end of third grade: proficiency in reading is associated with higher rates of high school graduation and college attendance, as well as lower rates of incarceration. The current state summative assessment results tell that about 80% of Alaska's third-grade students are not proficient in reading. On a national scale, Alaska ranked 49th in fourth-grade reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on student achievement nationwide, Alaska's scores have consistently hovered below the national average. Over the past two years, department staff have worked closely with partners, stakeholders, legislators, and communities to deepen the commitment to meeting Alaska's Education Challenge. The current collective efforts are aligned to evidence-based approaches for teaching reading in English. There is great momentum across the state to improve reading for students. This document is designed to provide partners, stakeholders, and communities with one document that summarizes the department's literacy efforts statewide, including a snapshot of current student demographics and assessment results.