Third Grade Reading Test

Third-graders who fall short of new minimum scores set for the state reading test could be held back next year.

As many as 10-thousand third graders could be affected. The "third-grade guarantee" was approved in August by Ohio lawmakers who left it to the state board to determine the score students should have to meet to move to fourth grade.

"What we’re required to do under the third-grade guarantee is we have to give a diagnostic assessment to every student, kindergarten through third grade before September 30th of each year. and this year is the first year we are doing this," said Linda Phillips, Director of Instructional Services with Zanesville City Schools.

Zanesville City Schools are currently making every student in those grades take the diagnostic test to better assess progress. From there, the scores will be evaluated and each student will be put through reading programs.

"Our diagnostic data will show us what students are on track or not on track to meet that standard, so that gives us the opportunity to start right now with students in kindergarten and first, second and the early part of third grade and start giving them interventions so that they can increase their reading ability."