Guardians
Per A.R.S. §15-701, a 3rd grade student who fails to meet the Move On When Reading (MOWR) cut score on the Reading portion of the statewide exam will not be promoted to the 4th grade. While many focus on the retention element of the MOWR legislation, which impacts less than 3% of students in the state each year, its primary and greatest impact is in its focus on early identification of struggling readers so that they receive targeted interventions designed to have them reading at grade level by or before the end of 3rd grade. The legislation is designed to equip schools and teachers to provide students with the specific assistance they need to become lifelong readers.
Move On When Reading Video (English) | Move On When Reading Video (Spanish)
The brief video provides a parent-friendly overview of the importance of K-3 reading and of the Move On When Reading program. They are available in English and Spanish and are perfect for communicating with parents about Move On When Reading.
There are four good cause exemptions to retention for 3rd grade students who fail to meet the MOWR cut score. These apply if a student
(i) Is an English learner or a limited English proficient student as defined in section 15-751 and has had fewer than THREE (amended by HB2026) years of English language instruction.
(ii) Is in the (1) process of a special education referral or evaluation for placement in special education, or (2) has been diagnosed with a significant reading impairment, including dyslexia, or (3) is a child with a disability as defined in section 15-761 and the IEP team agrees promotion is appropriate.
(iii) Demonstrates sufficient reading skills or adequate progress toward sufficient reading skills of the 3rd grade reading standards through a collection of reading assessments.
(iv) Receives intervention and remedial services during the summer or subsequent year and demonstrates sufficient reading progress.
National Center on Improving Literacy
- Online Course - This course includes five lessons. Parents and family members will learn what is meant by evidence-based literacy practices, examples and non-examples of evidence-based literacy practices, and how evidence-based literacy practices can support all children’s literacy needs, including those with dyslexia and other disabilities, all in an interactive online experience.
National Center on Improving Literacy
- Implementation Toolkits - Get practical help for implementing recommended literacy practices.
Required Move On When Reading Parent Notification
All K-3 students are screened at least three times a year for potential reading difficulties. Following this universal screening, schools must inform all parents with the following letter. This at-risk parent letter should include:
- Description of the student's current needs
- Description of the interventions available to remediate the reading deficiencies
- Legislative remedial strategies
- Parental strategies to support reading proficiency at home
- Notification about the promotion/retention legislation (MOWR)
At-risk Parent Letter-English (sample letter only)
Sample Parent Strategies (English)
Sample Parent Strategies (Spanish)
Literacy is the ability to read and write well. You and the school share responsibility for your child’s language and literacy learning. Collaborate with your school to make decisions about your child’s literacy education right from the start.
Questions to ask your child's school about:
Publications
Everyone can contribute to early literacy – parents, educators, and community members can access myriad resources, tools, and information here to strengthen and support the literacy of the children in our state. When Arizona reads, Arizona thrives. Visit the Read On Arizona Resources page.
Read On Arizona Early Literacy Guide for 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.
Building Blocks to Becoming a Better Reader
This document describes the four legs of emergent literacy. It also lays out a set of generally agreed-upon guidelines that will help parents, families, child-care professionals, and educators work together to help children grow and learn.
**The views and opinions expressed in any third-party resource do not necessarily reflect those of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and do not imply an endorsement by ADE.
