Alpena Public Schools officials have announced a plan to do everything possible to make sure no students are held back by a new state law.

Under the law, which took effect this school year, any third-grader who fails to meet certain benchmarks on state standardized reading tests can be held back and forced to repeat third grade.

APS officials are tracking students’ progress throughout the year before the tests are given in the spring, and are working to intervene with students who need the most help.

The district appears to be on strong footing. Were the law in effect last school year, four students would have been held back, Meaghan Gauthier, APS assistant superintendent for instruction, told reporter Julie Goldberg for a recent story.

We are glad to see the district doing all it can to help students succeed, but true success always begins at home.

It’s important that parents read to their children beginning when they’re very young. Then, as children get older and start school, they should read to their parents.

Make reading a part of your everyday home life. Surround yourself books, and let your child see you reading. He or she will learn from you.

There’s a reason the state places such an emphasis on third-grade reading. Until third grade, students are learning to read. After third grade, students are reading to learn. They need solid reading skills to be able to grasp every other subject, from science to social studies.

So help APS help your student by making reading an important part of your life.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)