Alternative methods to state's read to achieve requirement approved

The state Board of Education approved requests from 30 school districts on Thursday allowing the use of alternative methods to meet the state's read to achieve requirement.

The law, which went into effect this year, requires all third graders to read at grade level or risk being held back.

Many criticized the plan, saying the assessments are too time consuming.

As part of the approval, the board is requiring all districts to submit a letter saying their tests are a valid measure of students' reading skills.