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District outlines third-grade literacy testing, retest windows and summer supports under Act 422
Summary
Dr. Langlois told the committee that third graders will take end-of-year DIBELS benchmarks in April, with retest opportunities at the end of the school year and in June. The district plans optional summer supports (Lexia and "mirror") and two June test sites; good-cause exemptions were reviewed.
Dr. Langlois updated the Human Resources and Education Committee on April 3 about the district’s approach to third-grade literacy under Act 422, which he said prevents third graders who score in the “well below benchmark” range on the end-of-year DIBELS test from being promoted.
The process and timeline: Dr. Langlois said the DIBELS end-of-year benchmark testing window is the month of April. Students who score in the “well below benchmark” band will be given a second, in-school retest opportunity during the last week of school. If a student remains in the “well below” level after the second test, the district will offer optional summer learning supports and a third testing opportunity in June, with district testing sites scheduled for June 17 at Trane and June 18 at Brooks.
Summer supports and recommended use: The district will provide access to Lexia, described as a literacy program aligned to the science-of-reading framework, and to a program referenced in the update as “a mirror,” for reading and comprehension support. Dr. Langlois said the district will recommend that students engage with Lexia for 30–45 minutes per day, Monday–Friday, and with the mirror program 10–15 minutes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; district staff will monitor participation and data and communicate with families.
Good-cause exemptions: Dr. Langlois summarized several categories of good-cause exemptions. He listed students with limited English proficiency who have been enrolled fewer than two years; students diagnosed with dyslexia; students with an IEP or 504 plan who were previously retained; and students with an IEP or 504 plan who have received intensive reading intervention for two years and have reading as a goal in the plan. He also noted that a score of mastery on the LEAP assessment (state assessment) would qualify as another exemption; results for LEAP mastery are usually available in July.
Board Q&A and context: Miss Hanson asked for the list of good-cause exemptions; Dr. Langlois recited the principal categories and offered to provide the remaining details in writing. Dr. Langlois acknowledged concerns about using DIBELS as the assessment tool and noted that LEAP mastery may not be known until July; he said the district plans to provide multiple supports and testing opportunities.
What the district will do next: The district will provide parent sign-up information for June retesting windows and monitor summer program usage. The update emphasized coordination with summer school to avoid overtaxing families whose students must attend both programs.
Ending: Dr. Langlois closed the update by noting the June testing dates and explaining the planned district monitoring and communication to families.
