Byron Donalds today unveiled his “Read to Succeed” education initiative in Jacksonville, a comprehensive plan to ensure every Florida child can read at grade level by third grade.
“When children learn to read by third grade, you’ve opened every door ahead of them. When they fall behind, those doors of opportunity are closed,” said Donalds. “Florida is choosing to open doors for every child, in every classroom, in every county.”
The announcement comes as new data reveals a troubling trend in Florida’s classrooms: 44% of Florida fourth graders are not reading at grade level, and students who aren’t reading proficiently by fourth grade are four times more likely to drop out of school. Florida currently ranks 45th nationally in reading recovery.
Read to Succeed is built on four pillars:
- Equipping districts with science-of-reading-based teacher training programs through Florida’s colleges and universities;
- Establishing K–2 early reading indicators so struggling students are identified and helped before they fall behind;
- Providing every third-grade student access to extra tutoring to get on track;
- Creating a new statewide “Read to Succeed Award” recognizing teachers who demonstrate exceptional or innovative approaches to literacy instruction.
As governor, Donalds said he will also seek Title fund waivers from the U.S. Department of Education to redirect federal funds toward proven literacy programs, establish district-level funding incentives tied to measurable reading improvement, and publicly highlight and reward the most improved districts beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
“This is not a new mandate,” Donalds said. “This is about empowering parents and teachers with the tools, technology, and tutoring to make sure every child in Florida can Read to Succeed.”
