The READ Act

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This fact sheet talks about what schools have to do to make sure your child can read, what information schools have to give parents about their children's reading, and what you can do if you think your child has a disability.

This fact sheet was developed in collaboration with the SMRLS’ Education Law Advocacy Project (ELAP).

What must the school do to make sure my child learns to read?

Learning to read is an important milestone for all students. In Minnesota, the goal is to have every child reading at, or above, grade level. Also to support students who may need extra help reaching that goal.

Every school district must have a literacy plan in place to help reach these goals starting in Kindergarten.

Kindergarten-3rd grade
Schools must identify students that are reading below grade level and screen them for dyslexia. The school must screen these students 3 times a year to see if students are reading at grade level. The first screening should happen in the first 6 weeks of the school year. The second screening should happen in the last 6 weeks of the school year.

Grades 4 or above
Schools must identify students that are reading below grade level and screen them for dyslexia. But a student in 4th grade or above can skip this screening if a parent and teacher both think that screening is not good for the student.

For students reading below grade level, schools must give them extra reading help until they read at grade level.

What does the school have to tell me?

After each screening of a student who reads below grade level, schools must let parents or guardians know:

The student’s reading level
What reading services the school gives the student
What the student’s progress is with those services
Tips for what parents or guardians can do at home to help their child succeed in reading at their grade level.

You can find tips to improve your child’s reading on the Scholastic website.

What if I think my child may have a disability?

A parent or guardian can ask that an evaluation be done to see if their child has a disability.

Once they ask for an evaluation and give permission to the school to do one, the school district MUST do an evaluation within 60 days to see if the student has a disability.

If the student does have a disability, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be made to help the student with their reading goals.

See our fact sheets How to be a Good Advocate for Your Child in Special Education Services and Top 10 Tips for the Special Education Process and Individual Education Plans (IEPs).