Michigan's Law
READ BY GRADE THREE

Read by Grade Three

Michigan’s Read By Grade Three Law

In 2016, Michigan Legislature passed a law to ensure that all children exiting Grade 3 are proficient in reading. Beginning in the 2019-20 school year, the law states that students performing at least one grade level behind on the year end state assessment (M-STEP) are at risk of not being promoted to 4th grade. However, there are several good cause exemptions to a student being retained. Here is a list of the exemptions:

• Proficiency on an alternative standardized reading assessment approved by the Superintendent
• Competency in all third grade standards via a student portfolio with multiple work samples
• The student has an IEP or Section 504 Plan and the team determines the child should be exempt from the requirements
• The student is an English Language Learner with less than three years of instruction in an ELL program
• The student has received reading intervention for two or more years and was previously retained
• The student has been enrolled in the current district for less than two years and was not previously provided an appropriate reading improvement plan
• The parent/guardian requests an exemption within the 30 day time period and the Superintendent or designee determines the exemption is in the best interests of the student

Many requirements of the law were occurring in Kenowa Hills Public Schools prior to its passing. KHPS staff is required to provide ongoing assessment for all students in grades K-3 and inform parents of student progress in reading by creating an IRIP (Individualized Reading Improvement Plan) if the student is below grade level in reading.

KHPS approaches this legislation not as a requirement, rather an opportunity to provide the best possible reading instruction for all students. Strong literacy instruction and interventions continue to be in place. In addition to this, a Literacy Coach provides ongoing support and professional development to K-3 teachers.

What can you do as parents to support your child’s reading success?

• Read out loud to your child
• Listen to your child read
• As you read: Ask your child to share what they remember
• Talk about your favorite parts, what you’ve learned, or who is in the book and what they do
• Talk about the pictures in the book and how they connect to the words on the page
• Help connect the stories to your child’s life or other books you’ve read, even on trips to the store

Reading Law Parent Resources

Read by Grade Three Law Informational Video
Facts for Families: What is the Read by Grade Three Law?
Essentials for Families

The Michigan Department of Education provides more information on the “Read by Grade Three Law” website. If you would like further information about our district practices and procedures, please contact your child’s building administrator.

Michigan’s Read By Grade Three Law

In 2016, Michigan Legislature passed a law to ensure that all children exiting Grade 3 are proficient in reading. Beginning in the 2019-20 school year, the law states that students performing at least one grade level behind on the year end state assessment (M-STEP) are at risk of not being promoted to 4th grade. However, there are several good cause exemptions to a student being retained. Here is a list of the exemptions:

• Proficiency on an alternative standardized reading assessment approved by the Superintendent
• Competency in all third grade standards via a student portfolio with multiple work samples
• The student has an IEP or Section 504 Plan and the team determines the child should be exempt from the requirements
• The student is an English Language Learner with less than three years of instruction in an ELL program
• The student has received reading intervention for two or more years and was previously retained
• The student has been enrolled in the current district for less than two years and was not previously provided an appropriate reading improvement plan
• The parent/guardian requests an exemption within the 30 day time period and the Superintendent or designee determines the exemption is in the best interests of the student

Many requirements of the law were occurring in Kenowa Hills Public Schools prior to its passing. KHPS staff is required to provide ongoing assessment for all students in grades K-3 and inform parents of student progress in reading by creating an IRIP (Individualized Reading Improvement Plan) if the student is below grade level in reading.

KHPS approaches this legislation not as a requirement, rather an opportunity to provide the best possible reading instruction for all students. Strong literacy instruction and interventions continue to be in place. In addition to this, a Literacy Coach provides ongoing support and professional development to K-3 teachers.

What can you do as parents to support your child’s reading success?

• Read out loud to your child
• Listen to your child read
• As you read: Ask your child to share what they remember
• Talk about your favorite parts, what you’ve learned, or who is in the book and what they do
• Talk about the pictures in the book and how they connect to the words on the page
• Help connect the stories to your child’s life or other books you’ve read, even on trips to the store

Reading Law Parent Resources

Read by Grade Three Law Informational Video
Facts for Families: What is the Read by Grade Three Law?
Essentials for Families

The Michigan Department of Education provides more information on the “Read by Grade Three Law” website. If you would like further information about our district practices and procedures, please contact your child’s building administrator.