How do I beat third grade retention and make sure my child is ready for fourth grade now that testing is done”, asked one concerned parent. “We do not want our child to go to fourth grade unless she is ready”, the parent added, “can you help?”
This is exactly the right attitude. Florida has done a good job of providing Good Cause Exemptions that allow a child to be promoted to 4th grade, even if they got a Level 1 on the Third Grade English Language Assessment.
Several key points about third grade retention and being ready for fourth grade:
1- Many students at risk for third grade retention are 1.5 or more years below grade level in their reading comprehension. These students often learn differently and have some combination of attention, visual processing, anxiety and/or related challenges.
Reading comprehension is often the issue. Too often a child can meet a good cause exemption, but they struggle in fourth grade. You may want to give us a call at 561-361-7495 for a no cost Beat Third Grade Retention and Be Prepared for Fourth Grade Strategy Session. We can then discuss strategy options.
2- If your child is at risk for third grade retention, the best way forward is to have your child prove through a student portfolio that they have mastered the key skills. We suggest you immediately check with your child’s teacher to see where your child is at and how you can help. If your child is at risk for third grade retention, you have the right to ask that a portfolio be started — this is laid out in Senate Bill 1008.25
(5) READING DEFICIENCY AND PARENTAL NOTIFICATION.—
(C) 7. The district’s specific criteria and policies for a portfolio as provided in subparagraph (6)(b)4. and the evidence required for a student to demonstrate mastery of Florida’s academic standards for English Language Arts. A parent of a student in grade 3 who is identified anytime during the year as being at risk of retention may request that the school immediately begin collecting evidence for a portfolio.
Your child can also be promoted if they get to the 50th percentile on IReady, or a similar program; if they pass a test at the end of the school year; or they pass an end of summer test
If third grade retention is a risk, either:
- Take our no cost Success Assessment and call us at 561-361-7495 or
- Call us at 561-361-7495 and
Put your child on his or her Pathway to Success by Fourth Grade and beyond
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