NC Read to Achieve

1. NC Read to Achieve 3rd Grade Parent Night August 29, 2013

2. NC Read to Achieve Law • Requires 3rd graders who score Level 1 or 2 in reading on the 3rd grade EOG be retained and not promoted to the 4th grade • Students can receive a good cause exemption by showing proficiency on a Read to Achieve test. • Students with an IEP, some limited English proficient students, and students that have already been retained can receive a good cause exemption.

3. Goal • “The goal of the state is to ensure that every student read at or above grade level by the end of the 3rd grade and continue to progress in reading proficiency so that he or she can read, comprehend, integrate, and apply complex texts needed for secondary education and career success.”

4. Why the Law is Being Implemented • Early identification and early intervention • Reduce the need for remedial classes in middle and high school • Increase graduation rate • All students college and career ready at graduation

5. The Process • Students are assessed using mClass Reading 3D. • Parents will receive a Home Connect letter showing progress and activities to do at home. • If the student is below proficiency, a Personal Education Plan (PEP) will be developed and the child’s progress will be monitored frequently. If the student has a learning disability, the IEP will serve as the PEP.

6. The EOG • In the spring, students will take the EOGs for reading and math. Their scores will fall between Level 1 (the lowest) and Level 4 (the highest). Proficiency is Level 3. • If the student is not proficient in reading, and they do not qualify for a good cause exemption, then he or she will attend summer reading camp.

7. Summer Reading Camp • A parent can decide that the child will not attend summer reading camp, but the student will be placed in a third grade class the following year. • Summer reading camps will be at least 6 weeks. • Students can show proficiency after the camps by passing the Read to Achieve test and be promoted to the 4th grade.

8. Retention • If a student is still not proficient after the camp, the student moves to the next year with a “retained” label. • Students will receive intensive remediation within the regular class setting or in a pull-out class for 90 minutes. • Parents will receive monthly written reports and parent-guided home reading strategies.

9. Retention (cont.) • A mid-year promotion will be determined by November 1st. • If the student shows proficiency on a Read to Achieve test the retained label will be removed. • If the student does not show proficiency at mid-year, he or she will begin work on a portfolio based on 4th grade standards. • If the portfolio is not completed, the retained label remains.

10. Questions?