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A Message to Parents: Why Your 4th Grader Deserves a Strong Start This Semester

 


A Message to Parents: Why Your 4th Grader Deserves a Strong Start This Semester

There is so much going on in the world of education and student achievement. If I weren't an educator, I would find it difficult to truly unpack how my child is being measured in terms of achievement. I would also find it difficult to truly understand how I could personally support his growth as a reader, a writer and a mathematician. Having a point of reference, example of sample performance and a resource is important.

Point of Reference

If you live in Georgia and your third grade child attended a public school last year, are may be aware of a test called the Georgia Milestones Assessment. This test measured your child's performance in the area of Reading, ELA and Math.

According to the Georgia Department of Education, over 127,234 third graders were tested in the 2024–2025 school year. Of those:

  • 35.4% were below grade level in reading - having a reading lexile score of lesson than 520

  • Only 34.9% were proficient or above in English Language Arts (Text & Language)

  • Just 44.3% reached proficiency in mathematics


If your child scored below a 520 Reading Lexile on last year’s Georgia Milestones, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.


For Reference: There are 4 level of English Language Arts performance highlighted on this test:

Beginning (Score of 1)
Developing (Score of 2)
Proficient (Score of 3 - ideal on-grade level performance)
Distinguished (Score of 4 - above grade level performance)

Sample Performance

Check out this video on what third grade writing looks like. Your current fourth grade should have performed at this level or greater last year and should be continuing their path forward in their written performance. Also, here is a link to the statewide data from last spring so you can check it out for yourself. These numbers reflect a statewide challenge—but they also highlight an opportunity.

Resource

At My Other Tongue, we believe every child deserves a learning environment that meets them where they are and helps them rise. Click here

Why Tutoring Now?

The first semester of 4th grade is a critical window. Students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” If foundational skills aren’t solid, subjects like science, social studies, and even math become harder to grasp.

Children with Lexile scores under 520 often struggle with:

  • Decoding multi-syllable words

  • Understanding grade-level texts independently

  • Writing with clarity and structure

  • Applying reading comprehension to word problems in math

Without early intervention, these gaps widen. But with the right support, your child can catch up—and thrive.

MOT Tutoring Services (Starting September 29)

Our tutoring program is designed to nurture confidence, character, and academic growth. Beginning September 29, we’re offering:

Literacy Boost Sessions

  • Phonics, fluency, and vocabulary building

  • Guided reading with culturally inclusive texts

  • Lexile-targeted comprehension strategies

Writing & ELA Workshops

  • Sentence structure and grammar practice

  • Narrative and opinion writing prompts

  • Visual cue cards and anchor charts for clarity

Math Confidence Coaching

  • Word problem decoding

  • Visual math strategies

  • Foundational skills in multiplication and division

Interactive Learning

  • Interactive activities for home reinforcement

Why MOT?

We don’t just tutor—we build bridges. Our curriculum is:

  • Ethically sourced and developmentally appropriate

  • Culturally inclusive

  • Designed for families, not just students

We meet children with warmth, structure, and joy—because learning should feel like belonging.

Ongoing enrollment begins September 29.

Let’s give your child the tools to rise, read, and rejoice in their growth. Reach out today to reserve your spot or learn more about our personalized plans.


- Lisa Renea Shaw

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