August, 2019
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are so excited that our school year is off to a fantastic start. We wanted to inform you of some changes with our K-3 state reading assessments.
mCLASS: Reading 3D will no longer be used as North Carolina's reading assessment. DPI has decided to use iStation as our diagnostic assessment system used for all students, grades K-3 in North Carolina Public Schools. This is based on the Read to Achieve legislation, which requires students, in grades K-3, to be assessed with a formative, diagnostic reading assessment system provided by the State Board of Education. iStation will be one way for teachers to collect data in order to guide their instruction. This assessment, along with teacher observations, anecdotal notes, and running records will provide our teachers with insight on the effectiveness of their instruction, as well as each student’s progress toward reading proficiency.
As in previous years, MGSD will use Rigby Ultra book sets to assess students on the Text Reading Comprehension Assessment (TRC), also known as a Running Record for all K-2 students. Students will be asked to answer rigorous, critical thinking oral questions as well as complete a retell (ways to help with this linked below). This data will be shared with you in your child's report card each quarter.
Along with iStation data, third grade students will complete a reading benchmark three times a year to help teachers drive their instruction. MGSD will be sending home student reports after the benchmark to inform parents of their child's progress towards third grade reading proficiency.
iStation has a School-Home Connection Portal that provides K-3 students with 24-7 home access to reading practice, interactive books, and educational resources from iStation.
What’s Included in the School-Home Connection Portal?
- Personalized Data Profiles: Track student progress throughout the year and with real-time, easy-to-read reports.
- Parent Portal: Houses skill-building lessons that a parent can do with their child and includes printable materials.
- iPractice: Where students can go to captain their own interactive learning adventure through games, stories, songs, and more.
Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions about the above changes. Thank you for all you do to support us every day.
Sincerely,
Your MGSD Curriculum Team
