Third Grade Reading Legislation
If Student is not at 3rd grade reading level by the end of the 3rd grade (2016-17) – not
enrolled in 4th grade unless 1 of the following:
Achieves 3rd grade reading score on the district approved assessment
Achieves 3rd grade reading score on an approved alternative assessment
Demonstrates 3rd grade reading on a portfolio
Students not achieving 3rd grade reading who achieve 4th grade level in other areas,
i.e. math, science, writing, social studies, shall receive instruction in these areas in a
4th grade classroom setting
Students who are not advanced to the 3rd grade shall receive appropriate intervention
including:
Reduced pupil student ratio of 1 to 1 with trained volunteer
Assigned highly effective teacher, reading specialist, etc.
Reading programs that are research-based
Intense (majority of the day) reading instruction
Ongoing progress monitoring
Supplemental intervention by teacher or student during and beyond school hours
Provide parents with a “Read at Home” program
Good Cause Exemption may be granted by administrator for:
IEP indicates student is ineligible to take assessment
Student is limited English proficient with less than 2 yrs in ELL program
Has received 2 yrs of instruction and been retained K, 1, 2, or 3
Dept of Educ Approved Assessment
3 or more ‘valid and reliable’ screening, formative & diagnostic reading assessment
systems choice
criteria established to guide MDE approval process (time, level, integration, etc.)
Reading Coaches provided for teachers
Professional development provided in several specific areas
Provide services to teachers – examples:
Model effective teaching strategies
Facilitate study groups
Train teachers (data analysis, etc.)
Train teachers to diagnose & address barriers
Lead & support reading leadership teams
Qualifications for reading coaches enumerated
School Districts shall:
Select 1 of the MDE approved assessments
Provide for students deficient in reading an Individual Reading Plan
Provide notification and tools for improvement to parents
Require a school administrator to provide services similar to those enumerated for the
reading coach
Ensure coordination within this reading structure
Individual Plans Include (selected criteria):
Provide diagnostic tools
Monitor and assess 3 times a school year
Provide core reading instruction
Provides initial and ongoing analysis
Encouraged to provide summer reading camps with highly qualified teachers