Quarter of Ohio 3rd-graders lag in reading scores

12/13/2013

COLUMBUS — More than a quarter of Ohio third-graders scored below the basic literacy level on tests that provide the first view of how many may be at risk of failing a grade this year.

Under the state’s new Third Grade Reading Guarantee, students can be held back if they don’t meet tough new reading targets.

State results posted today showed 32,905 students, or 26.2 percent of those who took the fall reading test, fell below the threshold to meet new targets on October tests. Third-graders will be tested again in six months.

Those who lag at year’s end will have the chance to re-take reading in the summer. Officials said those still lagging targets after completing summer programs could advance to fourth grade even mid-year once targets are met.