1. North Carolina Read to Achieve
A Parents’ Guide to NC House Bill 950
The hyperlink links to a Livebinder of resources provided by DPI. *

2. What is Read To Achieve?
Read to Achieve is part of the Excellent Public Schools Act which became law in July 2012.
This law supports the NC State Board of Education’s mission:
Every public school student will graduate from high school globally competitive for work and post-secondary education and prepared for life in the 21st century.
Effective during the school year -
Read to Achieve is part of the Excellent Public Schools Act which became law in July 2012 to support the NC State Board of Education’s mission:
- Every public school student will graduate from high school globally competitive for work and post-secondary education and prepared for life in the 21st century.
Effective during the school year
Follow the hyperlink and go to pages 38 – 44 for the section of the law pertaining to Read to Achieve. * *

3. Goal for Read To Achieve
§ 115C State goal.
“The goal of the State is to ensure that every student read at or above grade level by the end
of third 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.”
(Excellent Public Schools Act, NC HB 950/S.L. 2012)
Read the above quote from the law.
By the end of third grade, students are expected to be independent readers, which means they can read and understand words, sentences, and paragraphs and answer comprehension questions about their reading. * *

4. Facilitating Early Grade
Reading Proficiency
K-3 students will be assessed three times a year with the mclass®: Reading 3D assessment system.
Reading 3D will provide information about your child’s early reading skills and their reading comprehension abilities.
Teachers will use the results to plan instruction.
You will receive communication about your child’s progress.
Read the slide content.
The information provided by Reading 3D will help ensure that students are appropriately progressing in their reading abilities throughout the year. * *

5. (The “good cause exemptions” are explained on the next slide.)
Explain verbally the flowchart. Refer to the guidebook for more explanation.
A possible script:
The law requires third graders who score at Level 1 or 2 in reading on the third grade EOG be retained. However, in special circumstances students can receive what is called a “good cause exemption”. The law also states students will attend summer reading camp if they do not show proficiency after third grade and they do not qualify for good cause exemptions. This camp will be provided by CMS and will be of no cost to you. Students who show proficiency at the end of the summer reading camp by passing the Read to Achieve test or producing a completed reading portfolio will be promoted to the fourth grade.
(The “good cause exemptions” are explained on the next slide.) *

6. Good Cause Exemptions Limited English Proficient students
Students with IEPs that include alternate assessments and reading interventions
Proficiency on an alternate assessment after EOG or summer reading camp
Proficiency through a reading portfolio
Previously retained more than once
The law states the following good cause exemptions:
Limited English Proficient students
Students with IEPs that include alternate assessments and reading interventions
Proficiency on an alternate assessment after EOG or summer reading camp
Proficiency through a reading portfolio
Previously retained more than once
If your child qualifies for a “good cause exemption” they will be promoted to 4th grade regardless of their score on the 3rd grade EOG. * *

7. Plan for Successful Reading Development of Retained Students
If your child does not demonstrate reading proficiency they will be able to attend CMS Summer Reading Camp.
At the end of CMS Summer Reading Camp, if your child does not demonstrate reading proficiency, your child will receive additional intensive reading support during the following school year.
If your child does not demonstrate reading proficiency they will be able to attend CMS Summer Reading Camp.
Attending summer reading camp will provide additional six weeks of reading instruction to help your child gain proficiency in reading. The CMS Summer Reading Camp will be offered at no cost to parents. Participation in the CMS Summer Reading Camp is a parent’s decision. If your child qualifies and you choose not to participate, your child will be retained in 3rd grade.
If your child is still not proficient after the CMS Summer Reading Camp, your child will move to the next year with a “retained” label on his or her record. Retained students will be place in one of two classes the next school year: a three/four transitional class or an accelerated class. * *

8. You may choose to review this flowchart with parents as needed
You may choose to review this flowchart with parents as needed. Refer to the guidebook for more explanation. *

9. Notification to Parents and Guardians
You will be notified in writing if your child will be retained.
If your child is retained, you can expect:
Monthly written reports on your child’s reading progress
A reading contract withthe school that involves parent-guided home reading strategies
Read the slide content * *

10. Accountability Measures
CMS will establish and maintain a website for reporting and parent information.
Schools will provide descriptions of all reading interventions provided to retained students.
Teachers will document and maintain lesson plans outlining reading interventions used in the classroom.
Read the slide content.
First bullet: The site is being developed and will be made available on the CMS internet site later. * *

11. What Can Parents Do to Help?
Read to your child every day.
Take children's books and writing materials with you whenever you leave home. 
Create a quiet, special place in your home for your child to read, write and draw. 
Help your child see that reading is important. Set a good example for your child by reading books, newspapers and magazines.
Limit the amount and type of television you and your child watch.  ~ From ed.gov
These are some reading tips for parents recommended by the US Department of Education ( * *

12. Are there any questions?* *