Screener & Diagnostic Assessment

  • Universal Literacy & Dyslexia Screener

    CUSD has selected Amplify’s DIBELS 8th Edition (+ R.A.N.) as the Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener. Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) provides a series of brief tests (1-3 minutes each) focused on reading skills that are highly predictive of the likelihood of success on meeting or exceeding curricular benchmarks. These assessments are delivered to all students three times a year. Most of these assessments are administered one-on-one through an online platform. Literacy skills are measured according to the grade level of the student with a focus on reading foundational skills (Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Accuracy, Fluency, and Comprehension). A Universal Literacy Screener is required for students in Kindergarten - Third Grade (Move on When Reading Legislation). Schools have the option to use this screener in grades 4-6. 

    Diagnostic Assessments

    After reviewing the results of the Universal Literacy Screener, students identified as At-risk will be administered Diagnostic Assessments. This evidence-gathering procedure provides a sufficiently clear indication of which targeted sub-skills a student does or does not possess which is used to inform instruction.

    Family Resources

    • Home Connect Website: As mentioned in the DIBELS Home Connect letter, this site provides resources for families to practice and reinforce important literacy skills with their children who are being assessed with mCLASS reading assessments. For support in viewing this website and the Home Connect letter, families may review this guide.

     

    Questions? Please contact:

Screener & Diagnostic Staff Resources

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    Universal Literacy Screener – Benchmark Windows (followed by Diagnostic Assessment)

    • Beginning of Year: 7/22 - 8/9 (K-3) and 8/16 (4-6 grade, participating sites)
    • Middle of Year: 11/25 - 12/13 (K-6)
    • End of Year: 4/21 - 5/9 (K-3) and 5/16 (4-6 grade, participating sites)

    Students that enroll after the testing windows will need to be assessed with the Screener (and diagnostic, if needed) within 45 calendar days. Benchmark forms will be used. 

    DIBELS Progress Monitoring (minimum frequency, teacher selects appropriate measure)

    • September 3 - September 20
    • October 21 - November 8
    • January 27 - February 14

     *While it is best practice to progress monitor all students, it is only required to DIBELS PM at-risk students during these time periods. These dates reflect minimum frequency. Sites may choose to add additional PM dates. Teacher selects the appropriate measure for each student based on student need.
Screener & Diagnostic Assessments