1. North Carolina Read to Achieve

2. The 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 text when needed for secondary education and career success.”

3. Components of Read to Achieve Comprehensive Plan for Reading Achievement Kindergarten Entry Assessment Process Facilitating Early Grade Reading Proficiency Process for the Elimination of Social Promotion Plan for Successful Reading Development of Retained Students Parent/Guardian Notification Process Accountability Measures Process

4. What should I expect for my third grader? All third grade students will complete the third grade reading BOG at the beginning of the school year. Students will receive classroom instruction throughout the year focused on the literacy skills and standards of the Common Core. Quality instruction will address the skills needed to develop and promote successful readers. All third grade students will complete the third grade reading EOG at the conclusion of the school year. Students who are proficient on the reading EOG will be promoted to 4 th grade. Non-proficient students will have an opportunity to complete the Read to Achieve test and/or retake the EOG in reading. Students who score proficient on either of these two assessments will be promoted to 4 th grade.

5. What should I expect for my third grader who is not proficient? Third grade students who are not proficient on the reading EOG may qualify for a “good cause exemption.” Limited English Proficient students with fewer than two school years of instruction in ESL Students with disabilities whose IEPs determine the use of extended standards and an alternative assessment (Extend1) Students with disabilities whose IEPs document two years or more of the use of intensive research based reading interventions. Students with disabilities whose IEPs indicate at least a two school year delay in educational performance. Students who demonstrate reading proficiency appropriate for 3 rd grade on an alternative assessment (Read to Achieve Test) before or after summer reading camp Students who demonstrate reading proficiency appropriate for 3 rd grade on a local alternative assessment, Reading 3D – Text Reading Comprehension (TRC) Students who demonstrate reading proficiency through a student reading portfolio Students who have been previously retained more than once in K, 1 st, or 2nd

6. Student Reading Portfolio North Carolina has developed a portfolio process to support all students in reading success. Students will begin a reading portfolio in the first semester of their third grade year. The contents of the portfolio are based on the reading Common Core standards and target specific standards for reading success. Portfolios will contain mClass Reading 3D assessment information in addition Tier II and Tier III paperwork that may be in place for a student. The portfolio will be a part of guided reading instruction and will add to the learning process. Selections used to build the student portfolio will show understanding of standards. The assessments are formative and will serve as a tool to guide teachers in instruction.

7. What if my child does not qualify for a good cause exemption? Students who do not qualify for a good cause exemption will have the opportunity to attend reading camp. Reading camp is an intensive reading session held in the summer months. Students will receive targeted literacy instruction to strengthen foundational skills and improve reading proficiency. Enrollment in reading camp is a parent decision. Students who do not attend camp will have an opportunity to show proficiency by participating in the Read to Achieve test taken at the end of camp.

8. What happens after summer reading camp? Proficient Students: Students who attend reading reading camp and are proficient on the Read to Achieve test or a local determined, state board approved, assessment will be promoted to 4 th grade. Students who complete their reading portfolios during reading camp will be promoted to 4 th grade. Non-proficient Students: Non-proficient students at the end of summer reading camp will move into the next school year with a retention of reading standards status. Students will be in a transitional classroom where they will receive the 4 th grade curriculum in addition to a 90 minute reading block to target deficiencies. Students will have another opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in November of the transitional year through a completed portfolio or achieving proficiency on the Read to Achieve test.

9. Parent/Guardian Notification Teachers will meet with parent/guardian as needed to discuss student’s reading progress Written notification of retention will be sent to the parent/guardian of a student not demonstrating reading proficiency by the end of third grade. Parent/Guardian will be notified in writing of the reason the student is not eligible for a good cause exemption Parent/Guardian of a student who is retained shall receive at least monthly written reports on the student progress toward reading proficiency

10. What Can Parents Do to Help? Find some time for reading every day. Reading before bedtime is great, but any time is a good time for reading. Make certain to read books your child enjoys. Fifteen minutes a day will make a big difference in your child’s achievement and enjoyment of reading. The more you read together, the more fun ways you will find to enjoy reading.