Michigan "Read By Grade Three" Law
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Being a good reader is critical if a student is going to be successful in school. In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed the Third Grade Retention Law to ensure that students exit 3rd grade reading at or above grade level, which will affect the 2017/2018 first grade students by the time they are in third grade. Since then, it has been renamed to "Read By Grade Three" Law. In accordance with this law, and as a means of better informing classroom instruction, districts will be providing K-3 assessments to students across the state. These assessments will identify students who need intensive reading instruction and intervention and will also provide useful information to help teachers tailor instruction to meet individual student needs.
K-3 students will be assessed at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The law also requires districts to provide early and regular written communication with parents of K-3 students with reading difficulties. Communication will include information about current services being provided, additional reading supports planned for your child, and strategies for you to help your child at home (Read-At-Home plan).
In 2019-2020, all 3rd grade students will be required to take a standardized state assessment at the end of the year to determine promotion to 4th grade. If your child is reading below grade level at the end of 3rd grade, you will be informed in writing that your child will not be promoted to 4th grade unless he/she qualifies for an exemption. This will take effect in the 2019-2020 school year so this will impact your child when they reach 3rd grade.
Reading instruction must be a major focus in grades K-3. Students need strong reading skills in order to learn in all other school subjects, such as science, history, writing and math. Much work is being done to ensure success of our K-3 students. Family involvement and understanding is an important part of this effort.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Crosby
Akron-Fairgrove Elementary Principal
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Being a good reader is critical if a student is going to be successful in school. In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed the Third Grade Retention Law to ensure that students exit 3rd grade reading at or above grade level, which will affect the 2017/2018 first grade students by the time they are in third grade. Since then, it has been renamed to "Read By Grade Three" Law. In accordance with this law, and as a means of better informing classroom instruction, districts will be providing K-3 assessments to students across the state. These assessments will identify students who need intensive reading instruction and intervention and will also provide useful information to help teachers tailor instruction to meet individual student needs.
K-3 students will be assessed at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. The law also requires districts to provide early and regular written communication with parents of K-3 students with reading difficulties. Communication will include information about current services being provided, additional reading supports planned for your child, and strategies for you to help your child at home (Read-At-Home plan).
In 2019-2020, all 3rd grade students will be required to take a standardized state assessment at the end of the year to determine promotion to 4th grade. If your child is reading below grade level at the end of 3rd grade, you will be informed in writing that your child will not be promoted to 4th grade unless he/she qualifies for an exemption. This will take effect in the 2019-2020 school year so this will impact your child when they reach 3rd grade.
Reading instruction must be a major focus in grades K-3. Students need strong reading skills in order to learn in all other school subjects, such as science, history, writing and math. Much work is being done to ensure success of our K-3 students. Family involvement and understanding is an important part of this effort.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Crosby
Akron-Fairgrove Elementary Principal