Mission Briefing Slides Mission Success
Your Guide to Conquering IREAD
What is the IREAD Mission?
The Purpose
IREAD is a special "check-in" to make sure your reading skills are strong enough for the big challenges of 4th grade and beyond.
The Skill
It looks at how you understand words, stories, and information. It's your time to show what you know!
Why Does it Matter?
Passing
You've unlocked the door! You move straight into 4th grade reading with confidence.
Not Yet
If you don't pass, you'll need extra practice in the summer to get ready for a retake.
The Challenge
Students who don't pass may have to stay in 3rd grade reading until they are ready.
Effort = Excellence
"I'll just guess."
Fast finishing, clicking without reading, giving up early.
WHICH ONE IS YOU?
"I'll do my best."
Taking your time, re-reading, using strategies, staying focused.
Case Study: Mission A
"Leo is nervous about the test. He wants it to be over, so he clicks through the stories without reading them. He finishes 20 minutes before anyone else."
Let's Discuss:
How did Leo's effort affect his score?
What might happen to Leo next year?
What could Leo have done differently?
Case Study: Mission B
"Maya finds a hard question. She takes a deep breath, re-reads the paragraph, and finds the clue. She uses all her time and checks her work."
Let's Discuss:
How does Maya feel when she finishes?
Does Maya have a better chance of passing? Why?
Which mission feels better in the long run?
What Is Your "Why"?
Effort is easier when you have a reason. Why do you want to do your best?
To move on to 4th grade with my friends!
To make my family (and myself) proud!
To show everyone how much I've learned!
To avoid summer school and stay on track!
Mission Pledge
"I am capable. I am prepared. I will give my 100% effort because I care about my future!"
My Mission Map Reflection My Mission Map
Navigating the Road to IREAD Success
Agent Name:
Date:
Objective: Why IREAD Matters
In your own words, what is the IREAD assessment and why is it an important step for you this year?
The "Low Effort" Path
What happens if I rush or don't try my best?
Potential for retention
Required summer school
Missing out on 4th grade goals
How would this make me feel?
The "Best Effort" Path
What happens when I use my strategies?
Confidence for 4th grade
Summer for fun and rest
Pride in my hard work
How would this make me feel?
My Mission Strategy Kit
Check 3 things YOU will do to stay focused during the mission:
Take deep breaths if I get stuck.
Re-read the story twice.
Underline or find clues in the text.
Use every minute of my time.
The Agent's Promise
"I realize that IREAD is a big mission, and my effort is the key. I promise to do my best for myself and my future."
Signature
Counselor Mission Guide Counselor Mission Guide
Tier 2 Small Group: IREAD Effort & Ownership
40 MINUTE SESSION
Objective
Students will understand the personal significance and consequences of the IREAD assessment and identify personal "why" factors to motivate high effort.
Key Concept
"Effort is the bridge between where I am now and where I want to be next year."
Materials Needed
Mission Briefing Slides
Mission Map Reflection
Destination 4th Grade Sheet
Mission Choice Cards
Pens/Pencils/Crayons
Mission Timeline
5m
Activation & Introduction
Welcome students to the "Mission Headquarters." Explain that today is about unlocking their future. Use Slides 1-2 to define the IREAD mission.
8m
The Stakes & Effort (Slides 3-4)
Discuss the paths and the power of effort. Use the battery visual to discuss choosing high effort even when reading is difficult.
10m
Case Study Discussions & Cards
Engage students in the stories of Leo and Maya (Slides 5-6). Use the Mission Choice Cards for a physical activity where students choose the "best effort" path.
12m
Mapping the Destination
Hand out the Mission Map Reflection (briefly) and the Destination 4th Grade Worksheet . This is where students visualize what they are working for. Encourage them to draw and write specific things they want to do next year.
5m
The Pledge (Slide 8)
Close with the Mission Pledge. Have students stand and say it together. They can take their Destination sheet home as a reminder of their "Why."
Counseling Connection
Focus on **Internal Locus of Control**. Students often feel tests are "luck" or "too hard." Shift the focus to things they CAN control. The "Destination" sheet serves as a powerful visualization tool—reminding them that their effort today has a direct impact on their favorite parts of tomorrow.
Mission Choice Cards Mission Choice Cards
Group Discussion & Movement Activity
1
The Timer Ticker
"You look at the clock and see there are 30 minutes left. You have 5 questions to go. Do you rush to finish so you can rest, or do you spend 6 minutes on each question?"
Discuss: How does rushing change your chances of passing?
2
The "I'm Stuck" Moment
"You reach a word you have never seen before. It feels like a wall. Do you click a random answer to move on, or do you use context clues and 'chunk' the word?"
Discuss: What strategy can you use when you feel frustrated?
3
The Friend Factor
"You see your best friend finish their test early and put their head down. You are only halfway done. Do you start clicking faster to catch up, or stay in your own zone?"
Discuss: Why is your mission different from your friend's?
4
The Review Round
"You finish the last question with 10 minutes to spare. You are tired. Do you close the test immediately, or go back to the hardest questions to double-check?"
Discuss: How can 'checking' save your score?
Instructions for Counselor:
Cut these cards out. Read them aloud to the group. Have students move to one side of the room for the "High Effort" choice and the other side for the "Low Effort" choice. Facilitate a brief discussion for each.
Destination Fourth Grade Worksheet Destination: 4th Grade
Mapping out the exciting journey ahead!
Student Agent:
Launch Date:
Passing the IREAD mission is the key that unlocks 4th grade! Think about all the amazing things waiting for you on the other side. What are you most excited to discover?
New Things I'll Learn
(Math, science, history, or new books!)
Friends & Fun
(Recess, clubs, sports, or seeing friends!)
Being a "Big Kid"
(New responsibilities or special 4th grade privileges!)
One BIG Goal
(What is one thing you want to achieve in 4th grade?)
Visualize the Success
Draw yourself as a successful 4th grader! What are you doing? Where are you?
"I am working hard today to reach my destination tomorrow!"
