3rd Grade Reading Retention Policy – LEARNS Act
What Is the LEARNS Act?
The LEARNS Act is a new Arkansas state law designed to ensure every student reads at grade level. One important part of this law says that 3rd grade students must be able to read at grade level to move on to 4th grade.
What Does This Mean for 3rd Graders?
At the end of the school year, 3rd graders will take a state-approved reading test.
If a student scores below grade level, they may be retained (held back), unless they qualify for an exemption.
Exemptions to Retention
Your child may still be promoted to 4th grade if they:
Have an IEP that exempts them from testing
Are English Learners with less than 2 years in U.S. schools
Have already been retained twice
Show reading skills through a portfolio or alternate test
Are in a reading support program and showing progress
What If My Child Is Retained?
Kirby Elementary will support your child by providing:
- A personalized Reading Improvement Plan
- Daily small group reading support
- Summer literacy programs and tutoring
Our goal is to help every student succeed—not just in reading, but in life!
What Can Parents Do?
Read with your child every night
Talk to your child’s teacher regularly
Attend school meetings about reading progress
Ask what you can do to help at home
Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Contact: Dolores Cowart
Phone:(870) 398-4213