This year, we are continuing our commitment to strengthening and supporting literacy for all learners. To start the school year, we have begun with a focus on how reading assessments can help us better understand and support student learning.

As a staff, we’ve been discussing the different reading assessment tools teachers can use to gather data on students’ reading abilities. These tools provide valuable insight into where each student is in their literacy, helping us design effective programs as best we can and look into the supports students need to reach proficiency.

During our first Professional Development day in September, we explored the different assessment tools currently available and shared what we find effective about each. Teachers expressed interest in learning more about additional options, and by collaborating and sharing strategies, we aim to create a consistent approach to assessing reading across grade levels. 

For students in Grades 2–7, teachers will be creating a fillable class profile using data collected from reading assessments. A sample of this document is attached. These profiles allow teachers to design instruction that truly meets students’ needs. They also help us look at any patterns in the data to identify strengths, gaps, and areas of need, enabling strategic grouping for targeted support. Our hope is that this process ensures that supports and interventions are purposeful for our students.