Academic Assessment
Minnesota READ Act: Helping Every Child Become a Confident Reader
What is the READ Act?
The Minnesota Reading to Ensure Academic Development (READ) Act is a state law that helps make sure that every Minnesota child learns to read at or above grade level–starting in kindergarten and continuing through every grade.
Governor Tim Walz signed the READ Act into law on May 24th, 2023, and it took effect on July 1, 2023. This new law replaces the “Read Well by Third Grade” program and strengthens Minnesota’s focus on literacy for all students–including multilingual learners and students receiving special education services.
Our Shared Goal
The READ Act’s goal is simple: Every Minnesota student should read at or above grade level each year.
The law ensures that students get the right support at the right time–including evidence-based instruction, targeted reading help, and individualized support for those who need it.
Local Literacy Plan
Each Minnesota school district and charter school must create and share a Local Literacy Plan every year. Oak Hill Montessori Community School submits the Local Literacy Plan to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) each June. The report can be downloaded and viewed here. A more family friendly version of our school’s Local Literacy Plan can be found here.
What’s in a Local Literacy Plan?
How the school identifies and support students who are not yet reading at grade level
How the school screens for and supports students with dyslexia
Which reading programs and instructional materials are used
Whether the district uses a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS)
How literacy funding is used to support reading improvement
The number of teachers who have completed approved literacy professional development
For families and community members who want more information:
Local Literacy Plan Reports: Available through the MDE Data Center–Data Reports and Analytics
Why it Matters
The READ Act is about ensuring every Minnesota child becomes a confident, capable reader–no matter where they live or what their learning needs may be. Together, we can help children discover the joy and power of reading!
Learn more about Academic Assessments at OHMCS
We screen all students in grades K–8 three times a year–in the fall, winter, and spring–to check their math and literacy skills. These screenings give us a snapshot of each student’s strengths and areas where they may need extra support. Combined with daily classroom observations and other informative and formative assessments, this information helps us tailor instruction to meet every student’s learning needs.
Dyslexia Screening