Read to Achieve in the News

A couple of new articles that came out today. *updated*

NC Schools Worried about Reading Requirement
A few points from this article:
-19% of 3rd graders scored well enough on the Beginning of Grade test to qualify for promotion.  (I previously said 23% and wanted to clarify the number is actually lower.)

-Legislators continue to play the blame game, saying frustrations are DPI's fault due to poor communication with districts.

-"The Read to Achieve law allows the State Board of Education to approve alternative assessments proposed by local school districts. Hartness said 15 Triad-area school districts have proposed an alternative to be considered next week by the board. If approved, it would be available to all 115 districts statewide."  (This is another reason districts should put the brakes on the portfolio.  Hopefully the alternative will be something developmentally appropriate for 8 and 9 year olds and not rob them of instruction.)

*Update: These two articles are also about legislators voicing concerns to State Superintendent Dr. June Atkinson
NC Legislators Hear Complaints about Reading Tests

Lawmakers Grill Schools Chief over Reading Tests


NC Students Reading below Grade Level
-Mainly talks about new data that just came out, but mentions Read to Achieve and wanted to include it.
-"Bell argues that the state needs to develop new policies that focus on prevention, rather than retention."