North Carolina Read to Achieve A Parents ’ Guide to NC House Bill 950

1. North Carolina Read to Achieve A Parents’ Guide to NC House Bill 950

2. Objectives • Goal of the law • Components of Read to Achieve • How this could impact your child • Reading tips you can use to help your children succeed *

3. What is Read To Achieve? • Read to Achieve is part of the Excellent Public Schools Act which became law in July 2012. • This law supports the NC State Board of Education’s mission: • Every public school student will graduate from high school globally competitive for work and post-secondary education and prepared for life in the 21st century. • Effective during the 2013-2014 school year - http://goo.gl/tLbZBH *

4. Goal for Read To Achieve § 115C-83.1. State goal. “The goal of the State is to ensure that every student read at or above grade level by the end of third grade and continue to progress in reading proficiency so that he or she can read, comprehend, integrate, and apply complex texts needed for secondary education and career success.” (Excellent Public Schools Act, NC HB 950/S.L. 2012) *

5. 7 Components of Read to Achieve • Comprehensive plan for reading achievement • Kindergarten entry assessment process • Facilitating early grade reading proficiency • Process for the elimination of social promotion • Plan for successful reading development of retained students • Parent/guardian notification process • Accountability measures process *

6. 1. Comprehensive Plan for Reading Achievement NC Department of Public Instruction developed a reading plan to improve reading achievement. The plan focuses on: • Standards-based curriculum • Leadership • Instruction • Professional development • Assessment • Partnerships and Communication *

7. 2. Kindergarten Entry Assessment Process • Will begin in the 2014-15 school year • The assessment will create a child’s profile that measures the five domains of school readiness • Language and literacy • Cognition and general knowledge • Approaches toward learning • Physical well-being and motor development • Social/emotional development *

8. 3. Facilitating Early Grade Reading Proficiency • K-3 students will be assessed three times a year with the mclass®: Reading 3D assessment system. • Reading 3D will provide information about your child’s early reading skills and their reading comprehension abilities. • Teachers will use the results to plan instruction. • You will receive communication about your child’s progress. *

9. 4. Elimination of Social Promotion Your child must demonstrate reading proficiency to be promoted to 4th grade. *

11. Good Cause Exemptions • Limited English Proficient students • Students with IEPs that include alternate assessments and reading interventions (EXTEND 1) • Proficiency on an alternate assessment after EOG or summer reading camp • Proficiency through a reading portfolio • Previously retained more than once *

12. 5. Plan for Successful Reading Development of Retained Students • If your child does not demonstrate reading proficiency they will be able to attend CMS Summer Reading Camp. • At the end of CMS Summer Reading Camp, if your child does not demonstrate reading proficiency, your child will receive additional intensive reading support during the following school year. *

14. 6. Notification to Parents and Guardians • You will be notified in writing if your child will be retained. • If your child is retained, you can expect: • Monthly written reports on your child’s reading progress • A reading contract with the school that involves parent-guided home reading strategies *

15. 7. Accountability Measures • CMS will establish and maintain a website for reporting and parent information. • Schools will provide descriptions of all reading interventions provided to retained students. • Teachers will document and maintain lesson plans outlining reading interventions used in the classroom. *

16. What Can Parents Do to Help? • Read to your child every day. • Take children's books and writing materials with you whenever you leave home.  • Create a quiet, special place in your home for your child to read, write and draw.  • Help your child see that reading is important. Set a good example for your child by reading books, newspapers and magazines. • Limit the amount and type of television you and your child watch.  ~ From ed.gov *

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