• 3rd grade commitment logo "Memphis-Shelby County Schools identifies student achievement as its highest priority. The Shelby County School Board voted on a revision to Policy 5013 Promotion and Retention. The revision was created to ensure we hold district and school leaders, teachers, and all stakeholders accountable towards ensuring SCS students have the necessary reading skills to be successful before they reach the third grade. Third grade has been identified as the year that students are no longer “learning to read” but they begin “reading to learn.” If students are not reading on grade level by the time they reach the third grade, half of the curriculum they will be taught for the remainder of their school years will be incomprehensible. Students who meet 8 of the 12 Criteria for Success at the conclusion of the second grade, will be eligible for promotion to the third grade. The 3rd Grade Commitment is a collaborative effort between schools, parents and community towards ensuring we all work together to best help MSCS students reach reading readiness before the third grade." For more information visit MSCS 3rd Grade Commitment.