2. The Read to Achieve program is part of The Excellent Public Schools Act of N.C (NC House Bill 950) which became law in July 2012.

3. The law outlines that if a 3rd grader is not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade, they will have to either repeat the third grade or attend reading camp.

4. KEY QUESTIONS What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at or above grade level? How will the State determine if your child is reading at grade level? What will happen if your child isn’t reading at grade level? How can you help your child with his or her reading?

5. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are providing strong instruction in literacy.

6. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are providing extra help to students who need it.

7. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are gathering information on your child’s progress. Your child’s teacher will continue to observe and monitor their progress. Your child can take up to 3 passages per week. Passages are aligned to specific standards your child needs to master. These assessments include mCLASS and CASE 21, along with the EOG.

8. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are sharing information on your child’s progress. We’ll talk about this specifically during conferences, emails, or reports home. We’ll share standards and scores. You will get formal reports, including the Home Connect letter.

9. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are sharing information on your child’s progress.

10. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? TRADITIONAL CALENDAR STUDENTS

11. Good Cause Exemptions NC Extend 1 and 2 students BOG score of 442 or higher Case 21 ELA assessment score of 3 or higher mCLASS TRC level of P or higher Read to Achieve completed portfolio (combined score of 70% or higher on the 3 passages for each standard) LEP – less than 2 years of instruction in English as a second language Any student receiving reading intervention and has been retained more than once in grades K-2

12. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? Did your child pass the reading section of the EOGs? TRADITIONAL CALENDAR STUDENTS  Yes. Your child moves to the 4th grade.  No. Your child’s teacher will look at: Results of portfolio mCLASS PEP (if applicable) Reading passages -or- Read to Achieve Test

13. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? Does your child have a successful portfolio or did they pass the Read to Achieve Test? TRADITIONAL CALENDAR STUDENTS  Yes. Your child moves to the 4th grade.  No. It will be determined that your child is not reading at grade level. Your child will be enrolled in a free, district-sponsored reading camp.

14. If your child is determined to be reading below grade level, you have two choices: TRADITIONAL CALENDAR STUDENTS  Attend Camp  Decline Camp Your child be enrolled in a free, district-sponsored reading camp. Your child will receive additional instruction and support in reading. Reading camp is scheduled for 6 weeks during the summer break. Your child will repeat the 3rd grade. The law does not allow us to grant exceptions.

15. If your child is determined to be reading below grade level, you have two choices: TRADITIONAL CALENDAR STUDENTS  Attend Camp  Decline Camp Your child will be retested at the end of camp and move into the 4th grade. Children who are still not reading at grade level will have a ‘retention label’ and receive additional support in 4 th grade. The retention label will be removed if the child demonstrates proficiency by mid-year of 4th grade. Your child will repeat the 3rd grade. The law does not allow us to grant exceptions.

16. How can I help my child with his or her reading? Read together for at least 20 minutes each day! Parent/Teacher Communication Home Connect Activities Visit the library Stay involved