In order for scholars to be college and career ready, it is important that they have strong literacy skills. As a district, we understand that one of the biggest predictors of literary success is a child’s ability to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. We placed an extra focus on 3rd-grade reading for the past several years.

In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed a law related to 3rd-grade reading. The law known as Public Act 306 requires that scholars pass a state test at the end of 3rd grade in order to move on to 4th grade. This portion of the law takes effect in the 2019-2020 school year. We've created a guide and resources for you, to ensure that your child is ready to read by grade 3!

A scholar will not be promoted to 4th grade unless they:

• Receive a reading score of less than one year behind on grade 3 ELA M-STEP
• Show a grade 3 reading level on another test approved by the superintendent of public instruction
• Show a grade 3 reading level through a portfolio or collection of scholarly work in all grade ELA standards.

What Families Need to Know

You are encouraged to be involved every step of the way in supporting your child's reading! Their reading progress will be closely monitored. If your child is not reading where expected, a plan to improve reading will be created. This plan includes extra instruction and support in the areas of need, ongoing checks on reading progress, and a read-at-home plan.

How is extra reading support determined?

Woodhaven-Brownstown School District uses the iReady Benchmark Assessment to identify scholars who need extra support.  iReady will be administered as an initial assessment with DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) as an extensive assessment to verify initial findings.  The use of data should be the primary factor for decision-making, but additional considerations can be used in determining Reading Intervention Plans including, but not limited to, running records, teacher observations, and other assessment methodologies.

Part of the plan will be a read-at-home plan that engages you and your child outside of the school day.

How can I support my child?

• Read out loud to your child
• Listen to them read to you
• Echo read (you read a line, they repeat)
• Read together at the same time
• Reread and retell favorite stories
• Ask your child to share what they remember
• Ask questions about the reading
• Connect the stories to your child’s life or other books you have read
• Knowing more words helps them understand the words they read better 
• Let your child write the sounds they hear! Spelling is developmental and a work in progress.

Good Cause Exemption

If you are notified that your child may be retained, you have the right to meet with school officials and request an exemption if it is in the best interest of the child. Here is a  Fact for Families to learn more about a Good Cause Exemption.