FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
JIM HORNE
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
SALLY BRADSHAW
LINDA J. EADS, ED.D.
CHARLES PATRICK GARCÍA
JULIA L. JOHNSON
WILLIAM L. PROCTOR, PH.D.
CONTACT PERSONS:
Name: Shan Goff
Phone: (850) 245-0509
Suncom: 205-0509
Email: shan.goff@fldoe.org
Name: Kelly Magill
Phone: (850) 245-0503
Suncom: 205-0503
Email: kelly.magill@fldoe.org
DPS: 04-038
MEMORANDUM
To:
District School Superintendents
From:
Jim Warford, K-12 Chancellor
Date:
October 20, 2003
Subject:
Third Grade Student Progression – Requirements for Students who were Retained
A key component of the successful implementation of the third grade progression requirements is the provision of
“…an intensive program that is different from the previous year’s program…,” to students who were retained (see
section 1008.25(2)(b), Florida Statutes). During the 2003 spring regional meetings on third grade progression,
districts identified their plans for meeting this requirement. These activities included:
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At least 90 minutes for an uninterrupted block for reading
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Specialized reading materials
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(e.g., supplemental materials appropriate for intensive immediate intervention (iii))
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Differentiated instruction
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Tutoring and mentoring
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More frequent progress monitoring
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Combination/Transitional classes of 3
rd
and 4
th
grade students
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Small-group instruction
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Smaller classes
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§
Extended school day, week, and/or year
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Additionally, we know that students who were promoted for good cause may continue to need additional support
and remediation. As already identified by districts, the strategies above are also appropriate for these students.
During the next few weeks through scheduled conference calls and at statewide meetings (e.g., Florida Organization
of Instructional Leaders (FOIL)), we will continue our discussion about the implementation of the above
requirements and identify needed additional supports and activities.
JIM WARFORD
K – 12 Chancellor
325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 514 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0509 • www.fldoe.org
Superintendents
Page 2
October 20, 2003
We would also like to remind you of the resource materials regarding the requirements for third grade progression
that are available at
www.firn.edu/doe/commhome/progress/proghome.htm . These materials include:
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Fact Sheet for School Districts – Reading Expectations for Grade 3 Students in
Florida
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Sample Letters to Parents (English and Spanish)
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Diagnostic Instruments Appropriate for Primary and Secondary Levels
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Flow Chart for Promotion / Retention of Third Grade Students
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Other helpful resource materials offered through the Just Read, Florida! can be found at
www.justreadflorida.com/educators.asp . These materials include:
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The Elementary 90 Minute Reading Block
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Primary Level Reading Curriculum - Guide to Reading Mentors
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To improve the timeliness of this year’s activities, in the next few weeks, we will be sending a calendar of planned
activities. Additionally, as indicated in the September 26, 2003 DPS Memorandum #04-032, Department staff are
compiling the 2002-03 data related to third grade student progression and producing state and district profiles. These
profiles will also be sent to you and used in the Department’s required monitoring activities and to identify
promising practices.
Thank you for your continued cooperation to ensure that Florida’s students are ready to “read to learn.”
cc:
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Assistant Superintendents of Curriculum and Instruction
Directors of Elementary Education
Directors of Student Services
Directors of Title I
Directors of Exceptional Student Education
School Improvement Contact Persons
Language Arts Supervisors
Reading Supervisors
