The Alabama Literacy Act is a 2019 state law designed to ensure all public school students read at or above grade level by the end of 3rd grade. It mandates early identification of reading deficiencies, intensive interventions, and includes a provision where 3rd-grade students may be retained if they do not demonstrate sufficient reading proficiency.
Key Components of the Act:
Screening & Diagnostics: All Kindergarten through 3rd-grade students take state-approved reading assessments. Those identified with a reading deficiency undergo diagnostic assessments to pinpoint their specific needs.
Student Reading Improvement Plan (SRIP): If a deficiency is identified, the school must notify parents and develop an SRIP. This plan documents targeted, intensive reading instruction, interventions, and monthly progress monitoring.
3rd-Grade Retention Requirement: Students must demonstrate sufficient reading skills to be promoted to 4th grade. Those who do not pass the reading assessment can be retained unless they qualify for a "good cause exemption".
Good Cause Exemptions: Students can bypass the retention requirement under certain conditions, such as English Language Learners with less than two years of instruction, students with disabilities whose IEPs indicate reading retention is not appropriate, or students who demonstrate reading proficiency on an alternative standardized assessment.
Resources for Families:
Kindergarten Essential Standards
First Grade Essential Standards
Second Grade Essential Standards
Third Grade Essential Standards