Read to Achieve (RtA)
Reading is at the core of all instruction in kindergarten through third grade. In the early grades, students learn foundational reading skills that build deeper comprehension skills as they progress through the grades. Students must have a strong reading ability to be able to succeed in all other subject areas.
North Carolina Read to Achieve Law
“The goal of the state is to ensure that every student read at or above grade level by the end of third grade. Also that they 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.” By the end of third grade, students are expected to be independent readers, which means that they can read and understand words, sentences, and paragraphs and answer comprehension questions about their reading.
Beginning of Grade (BOG) and End-of-Grade (EOG) Assessments
The North Carolina Beginning-of-Grade (BOG) and End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments measure students’ progress on the standards in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. At the beginning of third grade, all students will take the BOG for reading. Parents will receive the results of these assessments. The results will give parents and teachers an indication as to whether students are on track for achieving proficiency in reading by the end of third grade. If students receive a proficiency level on the BOG, they have met the requirements for the Read to Achieve law. All students must still take the EOGs each spring. Their scores fall into one of five proficiency levels ranging from Level 1 (the lowest) to Level 5 (the highest). The third grade BOG and EOG tests are multiple-choice tests. On the reading portion of the tests, students are asked to read selections and answer questions about the selections.
The Read to Achieve law requires third graders who score at Level 1 or 2 in reading on the third grade EOG to be retained and not promoted to the fourth grade. However, students may receive a good cause exemption by showing proficiency on a Read to Achieve test (given after the EOG) or a local alternative assessment approved by the State Board of Education. If your child scores a Level 1 or 2 on the EOG and does not qualify for a good cause exemption, then the school will notify you in writing that your child must achieve proficiency before being promoted to the fourth grade. In addition, some students with an IEP, some limited English proficient students, and students who have been retained more than once before third grade can also receive a good cause exemption.
Why is this law being implemented?
The focus of this Law is to ensure these struggling readers are identified early and interventions for these students are provided. By being proactive in this approach we are able to offer multiple and intensive opportunities for readers at an early age.