Move On When Reading for Families and Community

Beginning in the school year 2013-2014, Arizona 3^rd graders who score in the Falls Far Below category will be retained in 3^rd grade at the end of the year. Schools will be required to provide held back students with intensive help so the student can learn to read and progress in school. There are some exceptions to the rule. In accordance with the new law, a school district, governing board or the governing body of a charter school is allowed to promote a pupil who earns a statewide assessment score that falls far below the third grade level for any of the following good cause exemptions:

1. English Language Learners or Limited English Proficient that have received less than two years of English instruction; and
2. Students with disabilities provided that the pupil’s individualized education program (IEP) team and the pupil’s parent or guardian agree that promotion is appropriate based on the pupil’s IEP.
3. A student is in the process of a special education referral or evaluation for placement in special education and/or a student who has been diagnosed as having a significant reading impairment, including dyslexia

To read the legal exemptions: http://www.azleg.gov/ars/15/00701.htm

2015 Legislative Changes (SB 1461) Effective July 3rd, 2015

SB1461 was signed into law by the Governor and will become effective on July 3rd, 2015. SB1461 amends the MOWR law by expanding the list of students exempt from the retention requirement to include students in the process of a special education referral or evaluation for placement in special education and/or students that have been diagnosed as having a significant reading impairment, including dyslexia. The bill defines “dyslexia” as a brain-based learning difference that impairs a person’s ability to read and spell, that is independent of intelligence and that typically causes a person to read at levels lower than expected.

Additionally SB1461 requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules to allow certificated teachers and administrators to count training for the screening, intervention, accommodation, use of technology and advocacy for students with reading impairments towards continuing education credits.

MOWR Parent Information
	The READ ON Arizona organization has worked hard to develop a comprehensive literacy guide that includes “A reader’s typical milestones” from Birth to 8 years of age.
	Click the picture to read Building Blocks To Becoming A Rader. This booklet is full of “Ways adults can support children’s language, reading and writing”
Copyright 2014.  Read on Arizona – A Continuum of Effective Literacy Practices
	Read On Arizona Guide to Literacy for Arizona Families:     This guide is for any parent or caregiver of an Arizona student in grades PreK-3.  It is to help parents understand what the Arizona law says about reading requirements for 3rd grade students, the importance of early literacy, the role families play in helping support foundational early reading skills and activities to use at home.  It also suggests questions and ideas that you can discuss with your school to help your child if he or she is a struggling reader.
	Head Start Arizona Head Start Programs provide high quality early childhood education, nutrition, health,mental health, disabilities,and social services with a strong parentinvolvement focus.
	Parent Information Resource CenterWelcome parents to a webpage designed just for you!  We understand how important it is for you to know about resources available to better prepare your child/children for  success in school, college, career and life. Bookmark this page and check back often for new resources and announcements.

PTA – Parent Guides to Student Success K-3 in English and Spanish The Guide includes:

• Key items that children should be learning in English language arts and mathematics in each grade, once the standards are fully implemented.
• Activities that parents can do at home to support their child’s learning.
• Methods for helping parents build stronger relationships with their child’s teacher.
• Tips for planning for college and career (high school only).