In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed a law that requires schools to identify learners who are struggling with reading and writing and to provide additional help. The law is called Read by Grade Three (RBG3). The law states that third graders may repeat third grade if they are more than one grade level behind beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. The law aims to improve the state’s concern of low reading achievement in our state. There are five (5) major components of the RBG3 law including the importance of research and standards aligned core reading instruction, assessment, individual reading improvement plans (IRIPs), professional learning, and retention. Additionally, the law requires schools and parents/guardians to partner and work together as a Read-at-Home is also created.
Oxford Community Schools is committed to supporting our students and are proud of our Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS). All students, DK-5 have access to a high quality research and standards aligned curriculum. All students, DK-5, are administered a universal screener. Afterward, a diagnostic test is administered in order to learn more about where a child may be struggling. If needed, Individual Reading Improvement Plans (IRIPs) are written to provide the child extra support in the area of need. This support may be provided as a push-in or pull-out support by the classroom teacher, reading specialist or reading interventionist. We meet with parents and monitor plans regularly to ensure a child is making progress.
Every parent/guardian should know their rights when it comes to this law. Below, you will find resources from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to help you better understand the Read by Grade Three Law and what qualifies for a Good Cause Exemption which must be filed within 30 days of notice for retention.
If your child qualifies for the Good Cause Exemption you may download and "Save As" this fillable pdf Good Cause Exemption Letter to your computer to input your child's specific information.
You may either print your completed letter and mail it to:
Superintendent Tim Throne
Oxford Community Schools
10 N. Washington
Oxford MI 48371
Or you may send it electronically by attaching your completed "Save As" letter file in an email to Superintendent Tim Throne at [email protected]
Below, you will find resources and ways you can support your child:
Michigan Department of Education’s (MDE) Family Resources:
https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-28753_74161-498394--,00.html
Overview video for parents (from MDE):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMnR2fC_pRE&feature=youtu.be
Parent Involvement Video (from MDE):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsBO8IhN-gw&feature=youtu.be
Facts for families (English):
3rd Gr Reading Facts Families Final 629306 7.pdf
Facts for families (Spanish):
Grade 3 Reading Facts Families Final Espaol 648493 7.pdf
What is a Good Cause Exemption? (English)
Facts Families GCE FinalDraft 653732 7.pdf
What is a Good Cause Exemption? (Spanish)
Facts Families GCE Spanish FinalDraft 653733 7.pdf
It starts with EMERGENT LITERACY
Michigan eLibrary Supportive Resources for Families
Michigan eLibrary Resources Supporting Early Literacy 647735 7.pdf