In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed the “Read by Third Grade Law” (Public Act 306). Its purpose is to ensure that all students exiting 3rd grade are at or above grade level proficiency and to provide extra support for K-3 students who are not reading at grade level. This change impacts students who entered kindergarten during or after the 2016-17 school year, our current second grade students and below.

In accordance with PA 306, districts are required to administer state approved reading assessments to all K-3 students beginning this school year. Freeland is using the Early Literacy Benchmark Assessment (Y5-2nd) and the Northwest Evaluation Association/Measure of Academic Progress (NWEA/MAP) to identify students who need additional instruction or interventions. Using this information, an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (iRIP) may be developed for students not at proficiency level. Parents will receive regular communication about the planned services including additional reading support and strategies they can use to support literacy at home.

Beginning in the 2019-20 school year the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (M-Step), that all 3rd grade students take at the end of the year in reading, will be used to determine promotion to 4th grade. If a student is reading below grade level at the end of 3rd grade, the parent will be informed in writing and further action including possible retention may be necessary.

Please join us for a “Read by 3rd Grade” informational meeting and conversation, at the Elementary building from 6:00-7:00 pm. Below you can find specific dates based on your student's grade level and the RSVP link. If you are unable to attend your specific grade level time please RSVP for another date.

• Second Grade Families: Monday, March 4th

• First Grade Families: Tuesday, March 5th

• Young Fives and Kindergarten families: Wednesday, March 6th

Thank you for your continued support by reading at home with your child, retelling favorite stories, asking questions, and encouraging them to write about what they have read. Together, teachers and parents can ensure that all our Freeland Elementary 3rd grade students achieve reading success!