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English/Language Arts

Early Literacy Screening Assessments

Published: 8/8/2022 4:38 PM

Introduction

Per Senate Bill 9 (2022), the Read to Succeed Act, by Jan. 1, 2023, each superintendent shall select:

At least one reliable and valid universal screener for reading administered to all students in grades K-3; and
At least one reliable and valid reading diagnostic assessment administered as part of a multi-tiered system of supports for students in grades K-3.
All teachers of students in K-3 shall be trained on any reading diagnostic assessment and universal screener selected by the superintendent prior to administration of the assessment in the 2023-2024 school year.

Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, a reliable and valid universal screener shall be:

Given in the first 45 days of the school year for all kindergarten students; and
Given in the first 30 days of the school year for grades 1-3.
Based on the data from the above, a reading improvement plan shall be developed and implemented by a reading improvement team for any student in K-3 identified as needing accelerated interventions to progress toward proficient performance in reading.

The Senate Bill 9 Implementation Timeline document provides further guidance around what needs to be implemented when.

Early Literacy Assessments within KyMTSS

The Early Literacy Assessment within Kentucky's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (KyMTSS) document provides information around how universal screening and diagnostic assessment fit within a multi-tiered system of supports.

Valid and Reliable Early Literacy Screening Assessments

Selection Criteria

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) established selection criteria to determine which assessments would be included on the final list of approved early literacy screening assessments.

Universal Screeners

Approved Universal Screeners Comparison Chart

It is suggested that districts begin their own selection process by reviewing the KDE Approved Universal Screeners Comparison Chart.

List of Approved Early Literacy Screening Assessments

Diagnostic Assessments

An approved list of diagnostic assessments will be provided in the near future.

Disclosure Statement

Reference in this website to any specific commercial products, processes, or services, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). The KDE is not responsible for and does not in any way guarantee the accuracy of information in other sites accessible through links herein. KDE may supplement this with other services and prducts that meet the specified criteria.

Please reach out to Christie Biggerstaff at christie.biggerstaff@education.ky.gov with any questions.

Data-Based Decision Making with a Comprehensive Screening and Assessment System within the KyMTSS Framework

Data-based decision-making plays a key role in the successful implementation of MTSS and is an essential element of Kentucky’s MTSS framework. A comprehensive system of valid and reliable assessments and screening measures provides the data to ensure that systems, instructional practices, interventions and implementation efforts are effective in accelerating all students’ academic proficiency.

Universal screening tools provide data to:

Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of Tier 1 Instruction;
Identify students meeting, exceeding or at-risk for poor learning outcomes; and
Identify students who need more intensive support or enrichment in reading.

Diagnostic assessment provides additional information on students’ current skill levels and specific needs for intervention. Diagnostic assessment can help inform the next steps for instruction and intervention. They are important to ensure interventions are matched to student needs.

Learn more about Data-Based Decision Making with a Comprehensive Screening and Assessment System on the KyMTSS.org website.