Testing for the so-called third grade reading gate which Gov. Phil Bryant championed may keep thousands of children from moving on to the fourth grade. Photo courtesy Amile Wilson
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — About 6,000 Mississippi third graders may not advance to the fourth grade, after the Mississippi Board of Education set a passing score on the state's third-grade reading test.
The board voted Thursday to adopt a score that means about 15 percent of the state's 38,000 third graders didn't pass the 50-question computerized test.
Students who fail get two more chances, one later this month and one during the summer. They must reach a basic level of reading skill, not national standards of proficiency.
On the state's old standardized tests, about 6,500 students failed to reach basic achievement levels last year.
It's the first time the requirement, enacted in 2013, takes effect. Lawmakers and Gov. Phil Bryant say it's preferable to retain students who can't read to give them special attention.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.
