Third Grade Reading Law

In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed “Read by Grade Three” legislation in an effort to ensure that students exit 3rd grade reading at or above grade level. The legislation requires that districts administer reading assessments for students in Kindergarten Plus through third grade to identify students who may be in need of additional help to reach grade level benchmarks. The law also states that third graders may repeat third grade if they are more than one grade level behind on the English Language Arts M-STEP assessment in the spring of third grade. Please read on for answers to commonly asked questions related to Michigan’s “Read by Grade Three” legislation.

Questions and Answers

How are students identified as having areas of concern in reading?

Assessments are given within the first month of school to help identify what students currently know and are able to do. After completing initial assessments at the beginning of the school year, district staff review student data to identify students who may need additional support in meeting the end of year grade level benchmarks. These students are provided with an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP). An Individual Reading Improvement Plan is the document that outlines how teachers will support students to help increase their reading proficiency. Students are screened again in January to update IRIPs or to identify any new students who may be struggling with reading.

While the legislation requires we develop these plans only for students in Kindergarten Plus through third grade, we are committed to supporting reading growth throughout a student’s academic career. Our fourth and fifth grade students also participate in reading assessments over the course of the year. As needed, fourth and fifth grade students will also continue to receive the support needed to reach grade level benchmarks.

If my third grader has an Individual Reading Improvement Plan, does that mean they are going to be identified for possible retention?

Individual Reading Improvement Plans are developed for students who may be at risk of not meeting end of year benchmarks for their grade level. Most students who receive Individual Reading Improvement Plans will not score more than one year below grade level as defined by the Michigan Department of Education on the third grade M-STEP assessment. Students on Individual Reading Improvement Plans may just need some additional support to help master grade level standards. Only a very small number of students identified as needing Individual Reading Improvement Plans will likely be identified for retention.

How are students identified for possible retention at the end of third grade?

Third grade students take the M-STEP in the spring of their third grade year. The M-STEP is the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress. The M-STEP measures what students should know and be able to do related to grade level standards. If a student scores one or more grade levels behind the third-grade reading level, then the State will send you a letter via certified mail (meaning someone must be home to sign for it) notifying you that your student has been flagged for retention. Letters will be sent within 14 days of the student taking the M-STEP assessment.

It is important to note that the cut score for possible retention identification is significantly lower than the proficiency score on the assessment. Based on past M-STEP performance, we anticipate that very few West Bloomfield third grade students will be identified for possible retention.

This potential retention identification only applies to third grade students and not students in fourth or fifth grade.

Further, the research on holding students back is mixed at best. We believe the decision to hold a child back should be made by the school with the input of parents, and should not be based solely on the results of one standardized test. We will continue to consult with parents to make decisions that will be in the best interest of each individual student.

What can I do if the state identifies my third grader for retention but I do not want them retained?

Families of students identified for possible retention are able to notify their child’s school that they do not want their student retained. Families must contact the school within 30 days of receiving the possible retention notification. The legislation calls this a “Good Cause Exemption.”

We will be holding parent meetings soon after the State mails the letters to help parents and guardians whose students are flagged for retention file a good cause exemption if they wish to do so.

The Michigan Department of Education is continuing to develop guidance and information for families and districts as this first year of the possible retention identification unfolds. We will share additional information about the steps in the process for requesting an exemption as it becomes available.

Where can I go for additional information about the Read by Grade Three legislation?

Read by Grade Three Law Resources:

February 2020 Parent Letter (English)
February 2020 Parent Letter (Arabic)
February 2020 Parent Letter (Japanese)
February 2020 Parent Letter (Spanish)
MDE Read by Grade Three Awareness Toolkit

If you have questions about your specific student, please contact your building principal. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Michigan's Read by Grade Three legislation.

Main Menu

Explore More