W D Richards Elementary School

May 25, 2011 

Dear Parents, 

BCSC would like to inform the parents of students currently in grades kindergarten, first, and second grade of a new state law going into effect next school year. “Public Law 109, supported by the General Assembly, Governor Daniels, Dr. Bennett, and the State Board of Education, makes reading a priority. It is the intent of the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to ensure all students become proficient readers by the end of third grade and find future success through literacy,” as stated by John Wolf, Indiana Department Of Education Literacy Specialist.  

Starting next school year, 2011-2012, the above mentioned law requires all third grade students to take an additional Indiana state assessment called IREAD-3 (Indiana Reading Evaluation And Determination). This assessment will determine if a student is proficient at a third grade reading level to move on to fourth grade the next school year, or be retained in third grade. Students in third grade may be retained due to not meeting grade level reading proficiency requirements by the end of third grade. While this may not affect first and second graders next year, the importance of reading on grade level has never been more important to avoid future retention. 

BCSC is evaluating and increasing resources to help ensure success in reading prior to the IREAD-3 assessment next spring. Opportunities for additional assistance will be made available during: classroom instruction, after school BEACON program, Book Buddies reading support, shared home activities, and other interventions outlined in each school’s reading plan required by the state of Indiana.   

Frequently Asked Question:

What is the first year students will be retained if they don’t pass IREAD-3?

The third grade students of 2011-12 must pass IREAD-3 for promotion to fourth grade unless they meet one of the good cause exemptions.

• Students passing IREAD-3 on the second attempt (after summer school)
• Students who have previously been retained two (2) times prior to 4^th grade
• Students with disabilities whose Case Conference Committee has determined promotion is appropriate
• English Language Learners (ELLs) with a score of Level 3 or less on the LAS Links English proficiency assessment

More information about this new elementary reading plan and retention requirements can be found at the Indiana Department of Education website: http://media.doe.in.gov/reading/2011-01-LitUpdate.html, or www.doe.in.gov. 
 

_________________________________   ____________________________________

Principal       Karen Garrity, Director of Elementary Education 
 

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