With many initial reading assessments completed, first grade students are beginning to use their reading folders to read independently.  Each child’s folder contains books that are appropriate for his or her individual instructional reading level. This level of text provides the greatest opportunity for continued reading progress.  Instructional reading levels are assigned based on reading accuracy and comprehension.  They are the level at which a child needs support of a teacher or parent, reading with 90-94% accuracy and comprehending 80% or more of the text. Instructional reading levels are also assigned on Raz-Kids, an online subscription reading program.  Students are encouraged to use this reading program at home for additional practice. Information about student and parent access to Raz-Kids will come home in this week’s Friday folder. Student specific information on current instructional reading levels, guidance for text selection, and recommendations for at home nightly reading will be sent via email later this week.