2. The Read to Achieve program is part of The Excellent Public Schools Act of N.C (NC House Bill 950) which became law in July 2012.

3. The law outlines that if a 3rd grader is not reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade, they will have to either repeat the third grade or attend reading camp.

4. KEY QUESTIONS What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at or above grade level? How will the State determine if your child is reading at grade level? What will happen if your child isn’t reading at grade level? How can you help your child with his or her reading?

5. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are providing strong instruction in literacy.

6. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are providing extra help to students who need it.

7. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are gathering information on your child’s progress. Your child’s teacher will continue to observe and monitor their progress. Your child can take up to 3 passages per week. Passages are aligned to specific standards your child needs to master. These assessments include mCLASS and CASE 21, along with the EOG.

8. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are sharing information on your child’s progress. We’ll talk about this specifically during conferences, emails, or reports home. We’ll share standards and scores. You will get formal reports, including the Home Connect letter.

9. What steps are being taken to get your 3rd grader reading at grade level? We are sharing information on your child’s progress.

10. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? YEAR ROUND CALENDAR STUDENTS

11. The State uses the EOG to determine reading proficiency. If a student isn’t ‘proficient’, they can avoid repeating the 3 rd grade by attending 6 weeks of reading camp. To prevent retention in 3 rd grade, we will use data to predict if your child is at risk. At risk students will be invited to attend reading camp during track out periods. YEAR ROUND CALENDAR STUDENTS

12. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? Does the data tell us that your child is at-risk for failing the reading section of the EOG? YEAR ROUND CALENDAR STUDENTS  Yes. Your child is invited to 6 weeks of reading camp. Camp takes place the first two weeks of three track- out periods.

13. If your child is determined to not be reading at grade level, you have two choices:  Attend Camp  Decline Camp Your child will be retested at the end of camp and move into the 4th grade. Children who are still not reading at grade level will have a ‘retention label’ and receive additional support. The retention label will be removed if the child demonstrates proficiency by mid-year of 4th grade. Your child will be evaluated at the end of the year. If it is determined that your child is not reading at grade level, your child will repeat the 3rd grade. YEAR ROUND CALENDAR STUDENTS

14. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? Does the data tell us that your child is at-risk for failing the reading section of the EOG? YEAR ROUND CALENDAR STUDENTS  No. Your child will continue with strong literacy instruction and take the EOG at the end of the year.

15. How will the State determine that your child is reading at grade level? Did your child pass the reading section of the EOG? YEAR ROUND CALENDAR STUDENTS  Yes. Your child moves to the 4th grade.  No. Your child’s teacher will look at: Results of portfolio mCLASS PEP (if applicable) Reading passages -or- Read to Achieve Test

16. How can I help my child with his or her reading? Read together for at least 20 minutes each day! Parent/Teacher Communication Home Connect Activities Visit the library Stay involved