Read by Grade Three

In 2016, the Michigan Legislature passed a law that requires schools to identify learners who are struggling with reading and writing and to provide additional help. The law states that third graders may repeat third grade if they are more than one grade level behind beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has compiled resources and responses to frequently asked questions regarding MCL 380.1280f, referred to as the “Read by Grade Three” law.

If your child receives an Individual Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) from their school, below is more information about their recommended "Focus of Instruction."

Focus of Instruction	Phonemic Awareness	Phonics	Fluency	Vocabulary	Comprehension
Definition	The ability to hear and distinguish sounds.	The ability to understand the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent.	The ability to read with sufficient speed to support understanding.	Knowledge of and memory for word meanings.	The ability to understand and draw meaning from text.
Examples	Recognizing sounds, alone and in words Adding sounds to words Taking apart words and breaking them into their different sounds Moving sounds	Recognizing print patterns that represent sounds Syllable patterns Word parts (prefixes, suffixes and root words)	Automatic word recognition Accurate word recognition Use of expression	Receptive Vocabulary - words we understand when read or spoken to us Expressive vocabulary - words we know well enough to use in speaking and writing	Paying attention to important information Interpreting specific meanings in text Identifying the main idea Verbal responses to questions Application of new information gained through reading
Resources	Quick Tip Video	Quick Tip Video	Quick Tip Video	Quick Tip Video 1 Quick Tip Video 2	Summarizing Predicting