Even though Natchez third graders faired just below the state average on the mandatory reading assessment test, parents of students in the district have reason to be hopeful and pleased with the results.

This year is the first in which Mississippi third graders who don’t pass the reading assessment test won’t move forward to the fourth grade.

Reading truly is fundamental. Most agree without adequate reading skills, a child is unlikely to attain the knowledge needed to move forward appropriately in school.

Children, who did not pass the tests administered in late April, will have two other opportunities to take it again before next school year.

In Natchez, 81 percent of third graders passed the reading assessment test. Natchez-Adams School District officials said they expected that number to be lower.

Natchez third graders performed better than those at other school districts in the Southwest Mississippi area, school officials said.

Natchez has reason to be optimistic about advances and changes taking place in the Natchez-Adams School District. Getting our third graders ready for the reading assessment test was no small chore. It took a combination of good leadership and coaching district-wide.

Further, for those students who didn’t pass, school officials plan heavy, personalized tutoring aimed at getting each third grader to the proper reading level needed to advance to the fourth grade.

Turning the direction of a failing school district is much like turning the direction of a barge on the river. It doesn’t turn on a dime, but rather through slow, methodical movement.

The reading test results seem to indicate a much-needed change in direction for our public schools.