Public Library Staff Quick Guide
Beginning at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, third-grade students are expected to meet a minimum reading standard to be promoted to fourth grade. Third-grade students must achieve at least a Level 2 on the ATLAS English Language Arts (ELA) assessment. Students scoring at Level 1, which indicates a need for support, may be retained unless they meet specific “good cause” exemptions.
Public libraries can help!
- Encourage daily reading for all ages during Summer Reading programs
- Help parents and caregivers find books at a comfortable reading level for their child AND books that are a little more challenging that adults and children can read together
- Help families access resources available from the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), and ADE’s learning partner Learning Heroes, as well as other sites full of helpful videos and downloads.
- Point parents and caregivers to resources to support reading at home.
3rd Grade Reading Promotion FAQ
What is R.I.S.E.?
R.I.S.E. = Reading Initiative for Student Excellence
Families may ask:
- “Is R.I.S.E. the same thing as the third grade reading law?”
- “What is R.I.S.E.?”
- “My child has to take something called ‘R.I.S.E.’…what is that?”
R.I.S.E. Arkansas encourages a culture of reading by coordinating a statewide reading campaign with community partners, parents, and teachers to establish the importance of reading in homes, schools, and communities.
Key Points for Public Library Staff:
- Direct parents and caregivers to the R.I.S.E. page.
What is the Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading is not a single program, curriculum, or technique. Instead, it is a way of understanding how the brain learns to read, based on an extensive body of multi-disciplinary research. The science of reading focuses on the development of phonological awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency.
The Big Five – Component parts of the Science of Reading:
- Phonological Awareness – The ability to hear and play with sounds in spoken words
- Phonics – Understanding how letters match sounds
- Comprehension – The ability to understand and think about what one read
- Vocabulary – The words one knows and understands
- Fluency – Reading smoothly and accurately so the brain can focus on meaning
Families may ask:
- “What is ‘phonics’?” or “What does ‘sound it out’ mean?”
- “How can I help my child with reading?” or “How much should we read each day?”
- “What kind of books should we be checking out?”
Key Points for Public Library Staff:
- The Science of Reading is research based on how kids learn to read. It focuses on sounding out words, understanding vocabulary, and reading smoothly.
- Small, daily reading habits make a difference.
- Reading together even a few minutes a day helps.
Readers’ Advisory Questions to Help Families Select Reading Materials:
- “Is your child reading independently, or do they still need help?”
- “What kind of things do they like…animals, funny stories, etc.?”
What is the “ELA” score? / What is ATLAS?
ELA = English Language Arts
ATLAS = Arkansas Teaching, Learning & Assessment System
Families may ask:
- “How do I see my child’s scores?”
- “What does Level 1 or 2 mean?”
Key Points for Public Library Staff:
- Scores are accessed through the ATLAS Family Portal
- Families need a 6-digit code from their child’s school
- Libraries cannot provide access codes; only the school can provide the code
- Do not interpret test scores or diagnose reading issues
How Libraries Help:
- Provide internet/computer access
- Helping parents and caregivers log in if they have their access code
- Assist with navigation to the portal
Resources
Reading 101: A Guide for Parents
10 Things You Can Do to Raise a Reader
Can Parents Help a 3rd Grader with Comprehension?
Video. Running Time: 5 minutes 30 seconds
ATLAS: Arkansas Teaching & Learning Assessment System Portal