My Views Are My Own By Lisa Schonhoff, Ed.S. 11/5/2025 As I continue to review the literacy initiatives of other states, I look to Louisiana.  It is the only state to have raised its average 4th grade literacy scores  since the pandemic and have shown some of the smallest decline in average scores for 8th grade, according to the national assessment (NAEP).  After digging through their Department of Education website, I learned that they, like Mississippi, have a third grade r

My Views Are My Own By Lisa Schonhoff, Ed.S. 11/3/2025 Improving literacy in our state has been my top priority.  As our proficiency rates in Nebraska continue to slide, it is imperative that we look to other states that are making improvements.  One state that is showing gains in early literacy is Mississippi, which leapfrogged from last place for literacy proficiency in 2012 to 7th in fourth grade literacy today  and has led to the term, the Mississippi Miracle .  Once I s

My Views Are My Own By Lisa Schonhoff, Ed.S. 10/29/2025 Yesterday, I had the opportunity to share my views regarding literacy in Nebraska with lawmakers during an interim study hearing. You may view my testimony below: Opening Statement My name is Lisa Schonhoff. I would like to thank you all for your work.  It’s an honor to be here.  My views are my own and a result of my extensive experience in education.  I have been an educator for more than 25 years.  I have three degr