Schools Scrambling To Implement New Plans Involving Reading Test Grades

After Oklahoma lawmakers voted to override Gov. Fallin's veto, regarding the state's 3rd Grade Reading Test, districts now have to work fast to implement plans to decide if any of the students who scored unsatisfactory will be held back.

After back and forth of the 3rd Grade Reading test at the state Capitol, lawmakers took a stand to strip the test of its power to hold back students who failed. Now districts have to figure out a plan on who to promote, but with school coming to an end, they are pressed for time.

5/21/2014 Related Story: Reading Sufficiency Act Creates Political Battle

Oklahoma City Public Schools, the state's largest district, had a plan in place before the fight over the 3rd grade reading test even began. The district has compiled data throughout the year on each student's progress. Everything from the test to mini-assessments to the student's overall portfolio will play a part deciding the student's future.

The law also says any student not "reading at the appropriate grade level" will be provided a "program of reading instruction" to get those students to their grade level. This would include students who scored unsatisfactory and limited knowledge.

News 9 reached out to several district through the OKC metro area on Thursday and many of those are at different phases. Putnam City, Mid-Del and Norman all tell News 9 they are working to form the committees who will make the final decisions and notify parents of meeting times as soon as possible.

5/21/2014 Related Story: OK House, Senate Override Fallin Veto, HB 2625 Becomes Law