Written by Dr. Debra Dudek, Director of Title and Special Student Programs
The first IREAD-3 test (Indiana Reading Evaluation And Determination (IREAD-3) Assessment) will be administered March 19-21. House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1367, also known as Public Law 109 in 2010, requires the evaluation of reading skills for students who are in third grade beginning in the spring of 2012. All third grade students in the state of Indiana (with the exception of those that qualify for the state alternate assessment - ISTAR) are required to take this reading test. This assessment measures foundation reading standards through grade 3.
What items are contained in the IREAD- 3 Assessment?
The test will assess three areas of reading:
The first standard tests word recognition, fluency, and vocabulary development. Questions may include identifying beginning, middle, and ending sounds, synonyms, antonyms, homographs, suffixes, and context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words in a text. This standard will comprise approximately 25-35 percent of the test.
The second standard is comprehension and analysis of nonfiction and informational text which will comprise approximately 30-40 percent of the test. Questions may include comparing and responding to grade-level informational text by making connections and/or predictions while reading and identifying important information within text.
The final reading standard will assess comprehension and analysis of literary text. Questions may include comparing and responding to grade-level literary text by recalling and/or describing story elements, and identifying the theme and narrator which will be approximately 30-40 percent of test.
How long is the test?
The actual IREAD- 3 test is 40 questions. The entire test takes around 72 minutes.
When will I know how my child performed?
The Indiana Department of Education has indicated that the results will be sent to the schools in early April 2012.
What happens if my child doesn't pass the IREAD-3?
Students who do not pass IREAD-3 in the spring will retest in the summer. Students who do not pass the spring or summer administrations of IREAD-3 will continue to receive instruction in Grade 3 Reading, will be officially reported as a third grader, and will fully participate in the Grade 3 ISTEP+ assessment.
Retention is not required for students who are eligible for a Good Cause Exemption. Exemptions from this consequence and students qualifying for a Good Cause exemption include:
Students who have previously been retained two times prior to promotion to fourth grade.
Students with disabilities whose case conference committee has determined that promotion is appropriate.
English Learners (ELs) whose Individual Learning Plan (ILP) committee has determined that promotion is appropriate.
More details regarding IREAD-3 will be provided by schools as it becomes available. Portage Schools will continue to empower each student with the highest quality education experience. Working together we will succeed.