K–3 Reading Law

  • Read By Grade Three 

    The Michigan Read by Grade Three Law, passed in 2016, is a statewide initiative aimed at ensuring students reach proficient reading levels by the end of third grade. The law requires that students’ reading skills be regularly assessed from kindergarten through third grade, with additional support for those who are behind. The law is rooted in research showing that early literacy skills are a key indicator of future academic success.

    Key Components of the Law

    1. Early Identification and Assessment:

      • Beginning in kindergarten, students are regularly assessed for reading proficiency using state-approved assessments.
      • Schools identify students who are struggling and provide them with an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP).

    2. Interventions and Support:

      • Schools must implement targeted reading interventions for students who are behind, with strategies such as individualized instruction, small-group sessions, and additional instructional time.
      • Parents receive regular updates and are involved in creating the IRIP to support learning at home.

    3. Third-Grade Retention Provision:

      • Under the law, third-grade students who are more than a grade level behind in reading by the end of the year may be recommended for retention (repeating the grade).
      • However, there are exceptions, such as if the student has a disability, is an English Language Learner, or has been previously retained.

    4. Promoting Parental Engagement:

      • The law emphasizes the role of parents in supporting reading development, requiring schools to inform parents of their child’s progress and provide resources for home reading activities.

    5. Teacher Training and Resources:

      • Schools are encouraged to ensure teachers are trained in early literacy and intervention techniques.
      • Resources are provided to help teachers support struggling readers effectively.

    Recent Adjustments and Implications

    In 2023, Michigan's governor signed legislation modifying the retention provision to emphasize support over retention. Although the focus on reading proficiency remains, the approach now allows schools to prioritize interventions without the strict mandate of retention.

     

    Assessment and Intervention 

    • The District has implemented i-Ready as our K-3 Initial Screener/ Diagnostic Reading Assessment. It provides the data-driven insights that classroom teachers and school and district administrators need to determine exactly where to focus their instructional time to ensure all students are successful on assessments with rigorous standards.  
    • Using data from i-Ready, the district generated Individual Reading Intervention Plans (IRIP) for all students.  
    • The District purchased and has made available at both home and school i-Ready Online Instruction. Each student is placed in customized instruction for their learning needs that is engaging and fun. 
    • Through grant funding, the Dstrict has purchased myOn, an online platform that provides students with access to texts that align with both their interests and reading level.  Students can access this resource at school and home.  

    Professional Development 

    • All K-3 educators have been trained in how to utilize the data and instructional tools from i-Ready to plan teacher-led small group interventions and how to monitor students’ progress throughout the intervention. We offer ongoing training to ensure our teachers are supported and empowered to implement best practices for early literacy.  

    Parent Engagement 

    • The District also created and made available to educators Read at Home Plans.  These plans are designed to empower parents to support students at home with strategies that focus on each child's specific needs.  
    • School leaders and teachers across the district host parent conferences for all qualifying students.  At these meetings, the IRIP is reviewed and parents are offered the opportunity to contribute to their child's plan.  Read at Home Plans are provided at each conference. 
         

    Learn more about what the District is doing for literacy in our K-12 District Literacy Plan.

Read By Grade 3 Resources

RBG3 Parent Toolkit