Early Literacy Assessments

ACT 20 requires the following with regard to assessing literacy in grades 4K-3:

4K Assessment:

Students are to be assessed twice during the school year using a fundamental skills screening assessment selected by the DPI. The first is to be completed by the 45th school day and the second by 45 days before the end of the school year.

5K-3 Assessment:

• At least 3 universal screenings during the school year
• The first must be before the 45th day of the school year, the second in the middle of the school year, and the third by 45 days left in the school year
• Universal screenings must include phonemic awareness, decoding, alphabet knowledge, letter sound knowledge, oral vocabulary

A diagnostic assessment must be used when a universal screening assessment indicates a pupil is at-risk (below 25th percentile). This occurs no later than the second Friday of November for the Fall assessment or within 10 days after the 2nd universal screening. Diagnostic assessments must also be given within 20 days when a teacher or parent suspects a student has characteristics of dyslexia and submits a request.

The Montello School District will implement the required early literacy screener provided by the state, aimswebPlus. We also use aimswebPLUS for students who indicate they are at-risk and fall below the 25th percentile on the screener. This assessment was recommended by DPI as meeting the diagnostic requirements.