Some key points from the new requirement include: All K-3 students will undergo annual diagnostic tests to determine reading ability; If a student is not on track to read at grade level, the school district must create a reading improvement and monitoring plan that details the student’s reading deficiencies, describes needed interventions and includes parents in the improvement plan;

Unless students are exempted for reasons stated in law, those who have not reached grade-level reading by the end of the third grade will be retained; and

Students who are retained will continue to receive intensive remediation, including at least 90 minutes of reading instruction daily.

Background The idea behind the third-grade reading requirement is that it’s important for students to read by third grade in order to master other subjects. Plus, the requirement is intended to focus schools’ and parents’ attention on third-grade reading.

About the Third Grade Guarantee Ohio's Third Grade Guarantee ensures that every struggling reader gets the support he or she needs to be able to learn and achieve.