Dear Families,
As we head into our upcoming SEP conferences, I want to take a moment to share some important updates regarding literacy in our school.
Utah has set an ambitious statewide goal: by 2030, we want 80% of all 3rd-grade students reading on grade level. To help us reach this target, state lawmakers recently passed new legislation focused on early literacy, evidence-based reading instruction, and early intervention for students who need extra support.
Here is what you need to know about how these changes affect our school and your child:
Individual Reading Plans (IRPs) Distributed Next Week
The most important update for our upcoming SEP conferences is about Individual Reading Plans (IRPs).
Under the new law, schools must create an IRP for any student in Kindergarten through 3rd grade who is scoring below benchmark on their initial reading assessments. If your child requires an Individual Reading Plan, their teacher will hand it to you directly during your SEP conference next week.
An IRP is not a special education plan or an IEP. Instead, think of it as a targeted roadmap designed to give your child the specific tools, interventions, and extra practice they need to catch up. During your conference, your child’s teacher will walk you through:
- Specific reading skills your child is working to strengthen.
- The targeted interventions they will receive during the school day.
- Simple, practical ways you can support your child at home.
Science-Backed Instruction in Every Classroom
Our teachers are using instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. This approach focuses on building strong phonics, decoding, vocabulary, and comprehension skills rather than strategies like guessing words from picture cues.Working Together as a Team
Reading progress takes a team. By working closely with you through regular updates at benchmark periods (Fall, Winter, and Spring), we can make sure every student gets the exact support they need, right when they need it.
We are excited to meet with you next week during SEP conferences! Please bring your questions, and together, we will ensure your child has a successful and confident year of reading.
