Have you ever wondered why your child is getting tested so soon after school starts back or why diagnostic tests are even completed in the first place? Rest assured that these tests are a tool to help teachers and parents prepare students for challenges they may face in the upcoming school year.
On January 21, 2021, the Tennessee General Assembly enacted the Tennessee Literacy Success Act, marking an important point in history for Tennessee students and families. The act outlines several requirements that will help your child learn to read in school. This act also recognizes how important parents and families are in the education of their children, ways for families to be engaged and to get more information about how their children are learning to read.
Reading is the foundation for all learning and reading proficiently by 3rd grade is a critical milestone for every student. As part of the updated state law, school districts and public charter schools are required to offer an approved universal reading screener three times a year to students in grades K-3 and provide families with a Home Literacy Report to share their student's reading progress.
The approved universal screeners include:
- Tennessee Universal Reading Screener (aimswebPlus);
- DIBELs, 8th Edition;
- easyCBM;
- FastBridge/FAST Suite;
- iReady + iReady Early Reading Tasks;
- Measures of Academic Progress Suite (MAP); and
- STAR Early Literacy& Star Literacy.
These tests are designed to help your child be prepared for the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment (TCAP). The results help teachers and families learn and support student’s areas of strength and opportunities for growth.
By working with your child's teacher, you can help your child become a stronger reader and feel more confident in school. You can talk to their teacher about what the test results mean and ask for tips on how to support your child's reading at home. Simple activities like reading together, playing word games, or practicing letter sounds can make a big difference. The Tennessee Department of Education developed interactive decodables housed on Best for ALL Central to provide families with free books and support districts with a free literacy resource to include in their Home Literacy Reports. These interactive books incorporate engaging features for families and offer guidance to caregivers on effectively engaging with the text alongside their students.
For more tips on how to better communicate with teachers check out this resource on kidcentral tn here.