With the many changes made to Ohio’s education system, one major change for this school year was the assessment for third-graders in Ohio school districts.

State administrators received the first indication of the test to be faced to meet the standards of the law passed in 2012.

When the report was released, the results showed that nearly one-third of Ohio’s third-graders did not meet the necessary requirements when the testing was completed in October.

However, although Lawrence County fared better than the state average, this testing needs to have 100 percent success.

Dubbed the Third-Grade Reading Guarantee, the law requires that students meet certain criteria and ensure significance is placed on reading as a base for the child’s future.

If students do not meet that standard, they may be retained in third grade though exceptions can be made for this rule.

Students who score above the standard could be moved to fourth grade mid-year or begin taking higher-level classes while maintaining a level of 90 minutes per day of reading.

While it is good that Lawrence County scored higher than the average, state officials along with the school districts need to make adjustments to provide the essential support to ensure each child has the tools to succeed.

Parents will play an important role because the foundation of learning starts at home.