The goal of North Carolina Read to Achieve is to ensure that every student reads at or above grade level by the end of third grade and continues progress in reading proficiency so that he or she can read, comprehend, integrate, and apply complex texts needed for secondary education and career success.

The state will develop, implement, and continuously evaluate a research-based comprehensive reading program to improve reading achievement. As a part of the Read to Achieve Initiative, beginning in fall 2013, North Carolina administered the Beginning-of-Grade 3 English Language Arts/Reading Test (BOG3) to all third grade students. The test is given within the first 11-15 instructional days of each school year and will serve as a pre- test. The purpose is for principals and teachers to track student growth after the 3rd Grade READY English Language Arts/Reading EOG Test that will be given in the spring.

The Read to Achieve Law eliminates social promotion. Good Cause Exemptions are ways that third grade students can show reading proficiency and be exempt from retention under the Read to Achieve Legislation. Parents and guardians will be notified in writing of student retention and why the student is not eligible for a good cause exemption. Students who do not demonstrate reading proficiency will be invited to attend a district-sponsored reading camp prior to retention (Summer Reading Academy). Retained students will have opportunities to demonstrate proficiency for mid-year promotion. The Nash County Public Schools Board of Education will annually publish and provide written notification to the State Board of Education on the progress of reading proficiency and interventions provided to retained students.