Alabama Literacy Act
Alabama Literacy Act
In 2019, the Alabama legislature passed the Alabama Literacy Act, and it became effective September 1, 2019. The first group of students that falls under this act are second graders during the 2020-2021 school year. There are “good cause” exemptions, but our goal is to have all of our students read on grade level by the end of third grade.
In 2019, the Alabama legislature passed the Alabama Literacy Act, and it became effective September 1, 2019. The first group of students that falls under this act are second graders during the 2020-2021 school year. There are “good cause” exemptions, but our goal is to have all of our students read on grade level by the end of third grade.
What the law says:
What the law says:
"Commencing with the 2021-2022 school year, third grade students shall demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to fourth grade."
"Commencing with the 2021-2022 school year, third grade students shall demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to fourth grade."
Why third grade?
Why third grade?
"Ninety percent of children with reading difficulties will achieve grade level in reading if they receive help in the 1st grade. Seventy percent of children whose help is delayed to age 9 or later continue to struggle throughout their school career.”
"Ninety percent of children with reading difficulties will achieve grade level in reading if they receive help in the 1st grade. Seventy percent of children whose help is delayed to age 9 or later continue to struggle throughout their school career.”
(Vellutino, Scanton, Sipay, Small, Pratt, Chen & Denckla, 1996)
Why focus on dyslexia?
Why focus on dyslexia?
Students with dyslexia often experience difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling that are unexpected in view of their other abilities…. The Alabama Literacy Act mandates that all struggling readers will receive dyslexia specific reading intervention. (ALA, p 14)
Students with dyslexia often experience difficulties with reading, writing, and spelling that are unexpected in view of their other abilities…. The Alabama Literacy Act mandates that all struggling readers will receive dyslexia specific reading intervention. (ALA, p 14)
Parental Notification
Parental Notification
A parent or legal guardian of any K-3 student who exhibits a consistent deficiency in reading or characteristics of dyslexia at any time during the school year shall be notified in writing.
A parent or legal guardian of any K-3 student who exhibits a consistent deficiency in reading or characteristics of dyslexia at any time during the school year shall be notified in writing.
"Consistent Deficiency"
"Consistent Deficiency"
Choctaw County School District defines a “consistent deficiency” according to the following indicators:
Choctaw County School District defines a “consistent deficiency” according to the following indicators:
- Deficiencies are present across multiple data sources
- Student scores below benchmarks over a period of time
- Student exhibits low or failing performance over a period of time
Student Reading Intervention Plan or "SRIP"
Student Reading Intervention Plan or "SRIP"
Parents of children with reading deficiencies will be invited and encouraged to participate in the development of an individualized reading intervention plan.
Parents of children with reading deficiencies will be invited and encouraged to participate in the development of an individualized reading intervention plan.
