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Read to Achieve

Overview

The Read to Achieve Program is a part of the Excellent Public Schools Act which became law in July of 2012 and applied to all schools at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. Through the implementation of this program, it is the "goal of the State to ensure that every student read at or above grade level by the end of third grade and 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". Please see below for additional specifics and resources regarding this program and the implementation of the program in Cabarrus County. For specific questions, please contact your child's school or the elementary education office. 

How does Read to Achieve affect my child?

Kindergarten through third grade students are assessed in reading three times per year - in August, January, and May.  The assessments provide information to your child's teacher on the strengths and areas of growth for your child. The assessments measure their phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.  The assessments provide valuable information to your child's teacher that assist the teacher in planning instructional experiences specific to the needs of your child.  

If your child is in third grade, your child will take the North Carolina End of Grade (EOG) reading test in May.  If your child is not proficient on the EOG Reading test and did not demonstrate proficiency on the DIBELS8 diagnostic reading assessment or iReady (Lexile 725 or higher), then he or she will have the opportunity to take the Read to Achieve test.  If your child does not demonstrate proficiency on the Read to Achieve test or qualify for an exemption, then your child will be invited to attend a district sponsored summer reading camp.  This reading camp will be provided free of charge. 

Summer Camp

We are excited that Cabarrus County Schools will be offering Summer Reading Camp for eligible students this summer. Please stay tuned for additional information in the Spring. 

Additional Resources

The following resources provide an overview of the Read to Achieve program:

This video provided by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction provides a comprehensive overview of all components of the Read to Achieve law: Read to Achieve overview.

Supporting Reading at Home

Read Daily
One of the best things you can do to help your child become a more proficient reader is to read with and to him or her everyday. Pick books that your child enjoys reading and that he or she is able to read successfully with just a little bit of support. One way to pick books with your child is to use the "I Pick" strategy: when I pick books, I choose books considering my purpose (Why do I want to read it?), my interest in the book (Does it interest me?), how well I comprehend the book (Do I understand what I am reading?), and how well I know the words (Do I know most of the words?).

Ask Questions
Talk with your child about what he or she is reading. Ask him or her questions about the book and encourage your child to write about topics from the book that interest him or her.

Other Ideas