Ionia K-3 Reading Resources

In order for students to be college and career ready, it is important that they have strong literacy skills. In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed House Bill No. 4822 to ensure that children who exit Third Grade are reading at grade level. All children in Grade Three are required to take the state assessment beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. Students must be proficient on this test in reading in order to be promoted to the Fourth Grade. If your child is reading below grade level at the end of Third Grade, you will be informed in writing that your child will not be promoted to Fourth Grade unless he/she qualifies for a Good Cause Exemption.

This legislation requires that each school administers an ongoing assessment to identify each child’s reading progress. These assessments will be administered three times per year and the first must be administered within thirty days of school beginning. If a child exhibits a reading deficiency, the district will provide an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (iRIP) to address challenge areas and provide training and resources for parents and guardians.

Given that reading proficiency is a strong predictor of future career and college readiness, literacy is embedded in all subject areas. Although the school focuses on early literacy throughout the school day, we still need your support. Family engagement plays a vital role in a child’s success as a reader. As a partner in your child’s education, we encourage you to communicate with your child’s teacher regarding their progress. We are committed to ensure that your child receives the foundational literacy skills needed to help thrive in our diverse and global world.

For more information, please contact Alicia Thorlund. Phone: 616-527-9280 Email: athorlund@ioniaschools.org