Oklahoma City Public Schools Reading Sufficiency Act Implementation

Oklahoma City Public Schools Reading Sufficiency Act Implementation Guide http: //tinyurl. com/okc-rsa

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The 2015 -2016 Implementation Guide s uploaded to the principals'’ i. Tunes U account.

Reading Sufficiency Act The purpose of the Reading Sufficiency Act is to ensure that each child attains the necessary reading skills by completion of the third grade which will enable that student to continue development of reading skills and to succeed throughout school and life. 70 O. S. § 1210. 508 B(B)

The Reading Sufficiency Act can be divided into four key components: 1) Early Identification of Reading Deficiencies 2) Clear, Consistent Parent Communication 3) Increased Time and Improved Literacy Instruction 4) Third-Grade Graduation Requirements 7

OKCPS has adopted research-proven methods for focusing on Early Identification of Reading Deficiencies 8

RSA Screener • Benchmark Assessment for Second – Sixth for Kindergarten and Grade First Grade* * First Grade students will move to STAR Reading once they test out of STAR Early Literacy Page 3

Check-Up Schedule ALL OKCPS students in kindergarten - sixth grade are assessed for early literacy benchmarks in August, December, and May. The 2015 -2016 STAR Benchmark windows are: • August 17 – August 28 (Fall / BOY) • November 30 – December 11 (Winter / MOY) • May 2 – May 13 (Spring / EOY) Page 3 10

How STAR Defines Risk Level At or Above the At/Above Benchmark th 40 Percentile Below the 40 th Percentile On Watch Below the 25 th Percentile Intervention Below the 10 th Percentile Urgent Intervention Page 3

STAR Cut Scores for Grade-Level Proficiency Students must reach the scaled score below to meet the required 40 th percentile. BOY MOY EOY Scaled Score Estimated Fluency Kindergarten 496 * 568 * 644 * 1 st Grade 606 * 678 * 742 * 1 st Grade 73 16 87 25 133 37 2 nd Grade 189 49 239 61 291 76 3 rd Grade 319 75 357 84 393 95 4 th Grade 415 96 449 104 476 110 5 th Grade 514 * 544 * 573 * 6 th Grade 614 * 647 * 684 * (Early Literacy) *(STAR Reading) (STAR Reading)

STAR Benchmark Testing for Transfer Students who transfer to your school from within OKCPS will retain their previous STAR data. Assess incoming transfer students from outside the district with STAR Benchmark within first 5 days of attendance. Page 3

Tracking Progress In addition to benchmark checkpoints, progress monitoring is used to determine if students are making adequate growth throughout the year. Page 3 16

Progress Monitoring Leads to Instructional Changes

OKCPS Instructional Policies Emphasize the Value of Tiered Literacy Instruction to Meet the Needs of All Learners 19

The Academic Team Each OKCPS elementary student is supported by an Academic Team composed of: 1. the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s) 2. the student’s primary reading teacher 3. a reading teacher in the subsequent grade level 4. the school principal 5. a certified reading specialist, when one is available 6. additional instructional support providers: Remedial Specialists, Special Education teachers, English Language Development teachers, Social Workers, and Counselors. Page 4

Tiered Instruction All students are provided with a 90 minute reading block. Students who are determined to be at risk for reading difficulties are provided with an additional 30 minute strategic intervention block. Students who experience the greatest difficulty learning to read are also provided with a 30 minute intensive intervention block. Page 5 21

The READ Initiative Beginning with the 2011 -2012 school year, each school district established a READ Initiative (Reading Enhancement Acceleration Development) to prevent the retention of third-grade students by offering intensive accelerated reading instruction to kindergarten through third grade students who exhibit a reading deficiency. Page 9

The READ Initiative shall be provided: 1) during regular school hours in addition to regular reading instruction 2) in collaboration with a state-approved reading curriculum 3) through a Program of Reading Instruction (described in the student’s APP) Page 9

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TIER I When: 90 Minute Uninterrupted* Reading Block * Students in K-3 rd are required to have an uninterrupted block What: - Whole Group grade level instruction, and small group differentiation Who: - ALL students proficient, strategic, and intensive… ELL, SPED… - Instruction is provided by the student’s primary reading teacher (teacher of record) - “Push-In” support is encouraged Page 5

TIER I Supplemental Resources (This is not an exhaustive list. ) • • OKCPS Reading Block Instructional Guides Florida Center for Reading Research Leveled Literacy Intervention SRA Rigby Books Truimphs Explicit Phonics Programs – – West Virginia Phonics Reading Horizons Saxon Phonics Wilson Fundations

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TIER II When: Minimum of an Additional 30 -45 Minutes (In Addition to Tier I) What: Direct, teacher-led, small group, targeted, skills-based instruction to accelerate progress toward grade-level proficiency Who: - Students identified as blue, yellow & red on STAR and students who need support beyond Tier I - Instruction is provided by a trained professional - “Walk-to-Intervention” is encouraged Page 5

TIER II Resources (This is not an exhaustive list. ) • • • Triumphs Voyager Passports Structured Language Basics (Payne Education Programs) Florida Center for Reading Research Leveled Literacy Intervention Explicit Phonics Programs – – West Virginia Phonics Reading Horizons Saxon Phonics Wilson Fundations

TIER III When: Minimum of an Additional 30 Minutes (In Addition to Tier I & II) What: - Direct, teacher-led small group, intensive, skills-based instruction - More systematic and intensive than Tier II Who: - Students identified as red on STAR and students who need support beyond Tier II - Instruction is provided by a trained professional - “Walk-to-Intervention” is strongly encouraged Page 5

TIER III Resources (This is not an exhaustive list. ) • Explicit Phonics Programs – – West Virginia Phonics Reading Horizons Saxon Phonics Wilson Fundations

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Supplemental Support Resources (This is not an exhaustive list. ) • Failure Free Reading • Lexia • Reading Eggs • Smarty Ants • Study Island • Successmaker

Additional Instructional Requirements for RSA Retained 3 rd Grade Students Supplemental after-hours tutoring three hours per week provided by a qualified individual using a program from the OKCPS List of Approved Programs Parent-guided “Read at Home” assistance plan OR After-hours mentor or tutor with specialized reading training Page 1035

Additional Instructional Requirements for 3 rd Grade Students Twice RSA Retained Third grade students who are RSA retained twice in third-grade students will be provided with Intensive Acceleration focused on increasing the reading level of a child at least two grade levels in one school year. Page 11

The Intensive Acceleration Class will: (1) have a reduced teacher-student ratio (2) provide uninterrupted reading instruction for the majority of student contact time each day (3) incorporate opportunities to master the 4 th grade state standards in other core subject areas (4) use a reading program that is research-based and has proven results in accelerating student reading achievement within the same school year Page 11

The Intensive Acceleration Class will: (5) provide intensive language and vocabulary instruction using a research-based program (6) include use of a speech-language therapist (7) include weekly progress monitoring measures to ensure progress is being made (8) provide reports to the State Department of Ed. outlining the progress of students in the class at the end of the first semester (9) provide reports to the State Board of Education Page 11

OKCPS is Working Diligently Toward Clear, Consistent Parent Communication 42

Parent & Community Meetings District leaders will host RSA Parent and Community meetings throughout the year, at the Administration Building. This year, each school site will be required to provide a session for parents. At these meetings parents will be: - Informed about the RSA instructional changes - Informed about the Third-Grade Graduation Requirements - Provided an opportunity to ask questions. Page 1943

Organized Student Data Every OKCPS K-5 th grade student is provided with an Academic Progress Folder. This folder documents each student’s literacy assessments, instruction, and academic growth. It is used throughout the year to guide conversations with parents regarding their student’s reading proficiency and instructional needs. Page 12

Academic Progress Folder Each student’s Academic Progress Folder will be kept in a secure location in the primary reading teacher’s classroom. Folders should be updated throughout the year and should be available to building, district, or state administration upon request. The Academic Progress Folder will travel with the student grade-to-grade and school-to-school K-5. Page 12

Three documents that were previously included in the Academic Progress Folder have been removed from the list.

The Early Literacy Proficiency Checklist is no longer required.

The Third Grade Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Quizzes are no longer required.

Third grade teacher are no longer required to print the Student Performance Report from each Edusoft Benchmark Assessment.

The documents that are no longer required were intended to support the creation of a individual portfolio for those students who read proficiently at the third grade level but do not perform well on standardized tests.

During the first quarter (and throughout the year) 3 rd grade teachers and principals should take careful note of students who read with comprehension on grade-level but struggle with test anxiety or other factors that could potentially cause low scores on standardized assessments. District-approved alternative assignments will be provided for specific students upon request to create a proficiency portfolio.

Academic Progress Folder for Transfer Students who transfer to your school from within OKCPS will retain their previous Academic Progress Folder. An Academic Progress for is created for every incoming transfer student from outside the district. Teachers are responsible for documentation from the date the student is enrolled in their class. Page 12

Academic Progress Folder for Transfer Students who transfer from outside OKCPS will not have a green Academic Progress Folder. Every “at-risk” K-3 student from a public school in Oklahoma should have an Academic Progress Plan with their records. An Academic Progress folder is created for every incoming transfer student from outside the district. Teachers are responsible for documentation from the date the student is enrolled in their class. Page 12

The Academic Progress Folder End of the Year After the completion of EOY assessments each Academic Progress Folder is organized and placed with the student’s cumulative folder in preparation for next school year. Page 12

Completing the OKCPS Academic Progress Folder A step-by-Step Guide for completing the Academic Progress Folder is available here.

Planning for Growth Each OKCPS K-5 th student will have an individualized Academic Progress Plan (APP). The APP describes the child’s level of skill proficiency and the instructional supports and services used to help the child. The signature section of the APP notifies parents that their child must meet the Third-Grade Graduation Requirements in order to be promoted to fourth grade. Page 1458

Academic Progress Plan

Completing the OKCPS Academic Progress Pan A step-by-Step Guide for completing the Academic Progress Plan is available here.

Completing the Academic Progress Plan

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OKCPS Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences are provided for all OKCPS families the first week in September. Conferences are scheduled after this time for families who transfer after this time or request additional meetings. Parents who are unable to attend the conferences will be notified by mail using the district-provided letter. Initial Notification letters must be certified mailed by September 25. (Or within 35 days of enrollment for transfer students) Page 16

Second Quarter Third-Grade Parent Notification The parent or guardian of any third grade student who is not reading at grade level by the end of the second quarter shall be notified of: 1. The reading level of the student 2. The program of reading instruction for the student 3. The potential need for the student to participate in OKCPS Summer Reading Academy The OKCPS Mid-Year Third-Grade Parent Letter is provided to sites to send with second quarter report cards. Page 17

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OKCPS Midyear Parent-Teacher Conferences are provided for all OKCPS families the first week of February. Conferences are scheduled after this time for families who transfer after this time or request additional meetings. Parents who are unable to attend the conferences will be notified by mail using the district-provided letter. Midyear Notification letters must be mailed by Valentine’s Day for students who already received initial notification. Page 17

EOY Conferences End-of-Year Conferences are provided for all OKCPS 3 rd grade families within the last 30 days of school. Fourth and fifth grade students who received a conference-based “probationary promotion” are also provided an End-of-Year Conference. Page 1882

End of Year Trainings Training will be provided for all members of the Academic Team regarding the EOY Conference requirements. The trainings will occur the first week in May after the state testing window.

OKCPS Policies must be Followed to Ensure Compliance with the Oklahoma Third-Grade Graduation Requirements 85

OKCPS Retention RSA requires that a specific group of third-grade students be retained. It does not prevent the teacher or administrator from retaining any K-12 student. All OKCPS teachers will follow the district retention procedures for each student they believe may benefit from retention.

OK Requirements for Third Grade Graduation The Reading Sufficiency Act now provides four methods through which third-grade students may satisfy the proficiency requirements for promotion to fourth grade. Page 20 87

OK Requirements for Third Grade Graduation 1. Proficiency Demonstrated through a Reading Screener 2. Score of Limited Knowledge (or higher) on the Reading OCCT 3. Good-Cause Exemption 4. Conference- Based Promotion Page 20

Proficiency Demonstrated through a Reading Screener The screening instrument used in OKCPS is STAR Reading. A third-grade student who scores at or above the 40 th percentile on the Fall, Winter, or Spring STAR Benchmark has satisfied the requirements of the Reading Sufficiency Act for promotion to fourth grade. Page 2089

Proficiency Demonstrated through a Reading Screener The screening instrument used in OKCPS is STAR Reading. A first or second grade student who scores at the third grade level on the Fall, Winter, or Spring STAR Benchmark has satisfied the requirements of the Reading Sufficiency Act for promotion to fourth grade (upon the completion of third grade). Page 2090

Proficiency Demonstrated through the OCCT The Oklahoma Criterion-Referenced Tests a. k. a the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests are designed to measure students’ progress on the Oklahoma Academic Standards. Students in Grade 3 (and above) take the Reading OCCT each spring. Page 2091

How Reading is Graded on the Oklahoma State Test Advanced Proficient Limited Knowledge Unsatisfactory SB 346 does not require retention of students who score Limited Knowledge. 92

Proficiency Demonstrated through the OCCT A student who scores Proficient, Advanced, or Limited Knowledge on the reading comprehension and vocabulary portion of the third-grade Reading OCCT has satisfied the requirements of the Reading Sufficiency Act for promotion to fourth grade. Page 2093

Proficiency Demonstrated through the OCCT A student who scores Unsatisfactory on the third-grade Reading OCCT are at-risk for RSA Retention. Page 2094

Promotion Through Good-Cause Exemption Some third graders who score Unsatisfactory on the Reading OCCT can be provided a Good-Cause Exemption and be promoted to fourth grade. Page 2095

Quick Reference for RSA Good-Cause Exemptions Good-Cause Exemption #1 pertains to ELL students Good-Cause Exemption #2 pertains to OAAP students Good-Cause Exemption #3 involves the alternative assessment (ITBS) Good-Cause Exemption #4 requires a 3 rd grade mastery portfolio Good-Cause Exemption #5 pertains to students who have an IEP and have been retained once (Pre. K-3) Good-Cause Exemption #6 pertains to students who have been retained twice (Pre. K-3) Good-Cause Exemption #7 pertains to students who have a medical waiver from SDE. Page 21

Good-Cause Exemption #1 Good-Cause Promotion is available to English Language Learners who have less than two years of instruction in an ELL program. Page 2197

Good-Cause Exemption #2 Good-Cause Promotion is available to students with disabilities who are assessed through the Oklahoma Alternative Assessment Program (OAAP). Page 2198

Good-Cause Exemption #3 Good-Cause Promotion is available to students who demonstrate proficiency on an alternative standardized reading assessment. All OKCPS students at-risk for RSA retention are provided multiple opportunities to take the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Page 2199

Promotion from third-grade does not depend on “one test, one day. ”

Good-Cause Exemption #4 Good-Cause Exemption is available to students who demonstrate mastery of third-grade state standards for reading through a student portfolio. Page 21 101

Promotion from Third-Grade does not depend on passing a test.

During the first quarter (and throughout the year) 3 rd grade teachers and principals should take careful note of students who read with comprehension on grade-level but struggle with test anxiety or other factors that could potentially cause low scores on standardized assessments. District-approved alternative assignments will be provided for specific students upon request to create a proficiency portfolio.

Good-Cause Exemption #5 Good-Cause Promotion is available to students with disabilities who take the OCCT, who have an Individualized Education Plan, who have received intensive remediation in reading for more than two years but still demonstrate a deficiency in reading; and who were previously retained or in a transitional grade during pre-kindergarten, first, second, or third grade. Page 21 104

Good-Cause Exemption #6 Good-Cause Promotion is available to students who have received intensive remediation in reading for two or more years but still demonstrate a deficiency in reading; and who were previously retained or in a transitional class during pre-kindergarten, first, second, or third grade for a total of two years. Page 21 105

Good-Cause Exemption #7 Good-Cause Promotion is available to students who have been granted an exemption for medical emergencies by the State Department of Education. Page 21 106

Conference-Based Promotion by an Academic Team A student not otherwise qualified for promotion may be evaluated for "probationary promotion" by the Academic Team. The student’s Academic Team is composed of: (1) the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s) (2) the student’s primary reading teacher (3) a teacher in reading who teaches in the subsequent grade level (4) the school principal (5) a certified reading specialist Page 20 107

Conference-Based Promotion by an Academic Team The student will be promoted to the fourth grade if the Academic Team members unanimously recommend "probationary promotion. " Page 20 108

Midyear Promotion RSA retained students may receive midyear promotion based on evidence of grade-level reading proficiency on an alternative assessment. The fourth-grade ITBS will be offered for the purposes of midyear promotion August 21, September 16, and October 18, 2015. Page 23

Projected 3 rd Grade Reading Deficiency

The official projection sheet will be completed and reviewed in February. Third grade teachers and principals should begin looking at student data first quarter to help pinpoint areas of need and identify potential Good-Cause Promotion scenarios.

Teachers will use this information to guide their instruction, intervention, and parent communication throughout the spring semester. At the end of the school year, this document will also aid teachers in determining students for whom Good-Cause Requests should be submitted.

First Semester RSA Timeline

Revision to the 1 st Semester Timeline August 24/26 Support sessions for completing the RSA site plans August 27 Support sessions for completing the RSA site plans Deadline for review and revision of site RSA plans

Addition to the First Semester Timeline October 9 Deadline for school RSA Parent and Community Meetings

End-of-the-Day / Bottom Line Non-Negotiables for ALL OKCPS K-5 students - Academic Progress Folder - Academic Progress Plan / Parent Notification Initial and Midyear Update - 90 Minute Reading Block - Additional Tiered Intervention- if reading below grade level - STAR Benchmarks BOY, MOY, and EOY - Progress Monitoring

OKCPS RSA Coordinator Amy Walls arwalls@okcps. org (405) 203 -3797 http: //tinyurl. com/okcps-rsa 117

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