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. Optional: Your child’s teacher may choose to use passages 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. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? Did your child pass the reading section of the EOG? TRADITIONAL CALENDAR STUDENTS  Yes. Your child moves to the 4th grade.  No. Your child’s teacher will look at good cause exemptions. The list was expanded in February 2014. -or- Read to Achieve Test

12. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? Good cause exemptions include any student who: TRADITIONAL CALENDAR STUDENTS is a Limited English Proficient student with less than two years of instruction in ESL is assessed on NCExtend 1 or NCExtend 2 has received reading intervention and previously been retained more than once in kindergarten, first, second, or third grades scored 442 or higher on the 3rd grade beginning-of-grade assessment received a level 3- or higher on any of the ELA Case 21 assessments earns a Level P or above on the TRC portion of mCLASS benchmark assessment has a completed portfolio that includes a combined score of 70% or higher on 3 passages for each standard

13. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? Does your child qualify for a good cause exemption? 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