• NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY’S READ TO ACHIEVE PROGRAM IS PART OF THE EXCELLENT PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACT THAT BECAME LAW IN JULY 2012.

    The goal of the Read to Achieve program is to ensure that every student reads at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. This program was updated by the NC State Board of Education on Feb 6, 2014. The goal of the State is to ensure that every student reads at or above grade level at the end of third grade and continues to progress in reading proficiency so that he or she can read, comprehend, integrate, and apply complex text as needed for secondary education and career success.


    How will Read to Achieve affect my child?

    Third grade students will be assessed in reading at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. Those assessments will give information to the teacher about the instructional needs of your child. Your child will have many opportunities throughout the year to demonstrate progress. Your child will take the North Carolina End of Grade Test at the end of third grade.

    What steps are being taken to get your 3rd-grader reading at grade level?
    Throughout the year, your child’s teacher will continue to teach reading. We will share information about your child’s progress in reading through report cards, interims, conferences, email, and in the Home Connect letters – important reports that provide information specific to your child’s reading skills. The Home Connect letter gives suggestions about activities that you can do at home to help. Read your child’s Home Connect letter carefully and talk with your child’s teacher about his or her progress.

    What if my third grader is not reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade?
    If your child does not pass the End of Grade test: Your child will receive reading intervention. He or she will have the opportunity to take the test again or an alternate assessment.
    If your child passes the second administration, your child will be promoted to fourth grade.
    If your child does not pass the second test: Your child will be invited to attend Reading Camp. Students will have opportunities during camp to demonstrate proficiency by
    the end of the Reading Camp.

    How will we determine that your child is reading at grade level?
    Students will take the NC end-of-grade (EOG) reading test at the end of 3rd grade. If they pass the EOG reading test, they are eligible to be promoted to the 4th grade. If they do not pass the EOG reading test, there are other factors called good cause exemptions that will allow your child to be promoted to 4th grade. Students need to meet at least one of the following good cause exemptions:

    Limited English Proficient Students with less than two school years of instruction in ESL Program
    Students with disabilities whose individualized education program indicates (i) the use of NCEXTEND 1 alternate assessment, (ii) at least a two school year delay in educational performance, or (iii) receipt of intensive reading interventions for at least two school years
    Students who have (i) received reading intervention and (ii) previously been retained more than once in kindergarten, first, second or third grades
    Students who demonstrate reading proficiency appropriate for third grade students on approved alternative assessments
    Students who demonstrate, through a student reading portfolio, reading proficiency appropriate for third grade students
    Students who demonstrate proficiency on Read to Achieve Test

    If none of the exemptions apply, Students will be encouraged to attend a free, district-sponsored reading camp, offered for at least 72 hours, to receive additional reading support.

    What can I do to help my child?

    • Find some time for reading every day.
    •  Ask your child to retell stories, using details from the book. Better yet, have your child write about the story!
    •  Read books that your child enjoys. If you have selected a book and then find your child is not interested in it, stop reading it and select another one.
    • Take books with you and your child everywhere you go. Even 15 minutes a day will make a big difference.
    • Talk about books and help your child understand and interpret what s/he reads.
    • Encourage your child to participate in a summer reading program. Most libraries host them.
    •  Practice reading skills by engaging in different online reading experiences.
    •  Make reading together fun!
    • Ask questions. Read to your child and encourage him/her to ask questions.
    •  Practice retelling what is happening.

    If your child does not show proficiency at the end of the Reading Camp:
    Your child may be retained in third grade or may be placed in a 3rd/4th transitional class with intensive reading intervention. Your child will be given another opportunity for promotion by November  1st.

    What if my child is promoted to fourth grade in November? Your child will remain in his or her classroom to continue fourth grade curriculum and take the fourth grade End of Grade  test at the end of the school year.

    What if my child is not promoted in November? Your child will continue to work in their transitional classroom with intensive reading support. They will continue working on alternative assessment to demonstrate literacy skills. Your child will take the fourth grade End of Grade Test. Promotion will be decided by the principal.