3rd Grade Reading Law
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Good literacy skills are essential if a student is going to be successful in school, and career and college ready. 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 2016/2017 kindergarten students by the time they are in third grade. Starting in the year 2019-2020, 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.
The law requires that all K-3 students are 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. This information will be communicated to you in an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP). This report includes your child’s performance on a variety of reading assessments, instructional services being provided, additional reading supports (if needed), and strategies for you to help your child at home (Read-At-Home plan).
The new ELA curriculum, written by Hazel Park School District, includes a daily focus on individual reading goals and targeted small group instruction. Because of our strong focus on meeting each child’s specific reading needs, our teachers have created Individual Reading Improvement Plans (IRIP) for all students, even those who are showing proficiency in reading. Attached to this letter is your child’s Individual Reading Intervention Plan (IRIP). If you have additional questions, please contact your child’s teacher.
Reading instruction is a major focus in grades K-3 throughout our school district. We have a strong foundation in our new curriculum and a number of interventions in place to support our students. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.
Respectfully,
Dr. Amy Kruppe
Superintendent
Additional Information and Resources
Parent Guide to Understanding the 3rd Grade Reading Law
3rd Grade Reading Law Parent Presentation (supporting video presentation)
i-Ready FAQ: https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/faqs/
Understanding i-Ready Diagnostic for Families
