Third Grade Reading Law

  • Is AAPS (Ann Arbor Public Schools) intending to retain third graders who are not considered proficient on the MSTEP as the Third Grade Reading Law requires?

    AAPS curriculum and instructional leaders recognize the importance of early literacy skills. 
     
    The district will continue to assess the needs of each student on a case by case basis but will not systematically retain students who are not proficient. Parents/families will continue to be actively involved in the development and implementation of individualized reading plans for struggling or reluctant readers. Home to School reading partnerships are an essential component of student progress.  Individualized reading plans continue to be seamlessly adjusted as needed to reflect strategic skills students need to develop into strong and confident readers. 
     
    The Ann Arbor Public Schools continues to implement effective evidence-based practices in our classrooms. Building Literacy Experts provide direct intervention support to students and coaching for teaching colleagues. Family Literacy Nights have been expanded and are hosted at each elementary school with out reach to our community center partners. Teachers have new and effective teaching and learning tools such as the Lexia software, to accelerate student progress which is closely and collaboratively monitored by building staff. Added support and coordinated consultation is available for students who demonstrate persistent reading challenges such as Dyslexia-like indicators. 
     
    Maintaining a literacy rich learning environment where both fiction and information text is integrated throughout the instructional day is our priority coupled with opportunities for students to write and engage in inquiry about topics of interest and passion.