Michigan's Third Grade Reading Law

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. School staff will provide ongoing assessments at least three times per year and inform parents and guardians of possible student difficulty. If a student demonstrates reading difficulty, the district will provide an Individualized Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP). This plan will include interventions at school and suggestions for home support. 

ZPS approaches this legislation not as a requirement, rather an opportunity to provide the best possible reading instruction for all students. We are dedicated to using the assessment data gathered to plan for core instruction and interventions that best support student learning.  We will continue to partner with parents to ensure success for all.

Google DocLetter to Young 5's Parents


Read at Home Plan

The 3rd Grade Reading Law requires the school to provide an at-home reading plan for a student with an Individualized Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP). Your child's teacher will discuss this plan with you.

The Howard Miller library staff has collaborated with ZPS Reading Specialists to create “Fun on the Run” packs that correlate directly with reading skills highlighted within the 3rd Grade Reading Law. Each pack focuses on one of the essential literacy skills listed below. Bookmarks with additional online resources are available for parents interested in practicing these skills in fun ways over the summer. Essential skills include:

Comprehension
Accuracy
Fluency
Motivation & Engagement
Oral Language
Phonics
Phonological Awareness
Vocabulary

PDF DocumentHoward Miller Collaboration Brochure

Staff Contacts

For additional information and support, please get in touch with your building principal, Intervention Teacher, or Assistant Superintendent of Elementary and Early Childhood Curriculum:

Julie Paterick

jpateric@zps.org