This week, the North Carolina State Board of Education will review school district alternatives to the third grade Read to Achieve assessments. Governor Pat McCrory issued the following statement:  “It’s imperative that EVERY child regardless of their circumstance is reading at grade level by the third grade.  I applaud the new legislation that sets the bar high for our students and teachers and allows local flexibility in its implementation."  The Governor said,  "As I’ve traveled the state and met with teachers, students and superintendents, I’ve consistently heard they need flexibility in implementing the law to ensure we are not over testing."   Governor McCrory is currently working with legislative leaders on education initiatives focused around respect, rewards and results for our students, parents and teachers.