Universal Screening

Universal Math and Literacy Screening for All Students

We screen all students in grades K–8 three times a year–in the fall, winter, and spring–to check their math and literacy skills. These screenings give us a snapshot of each student’s strengths and areas where they may need extra support. Combined with daily classroom observations and other informative and formative assessments, this information helps us tailor instruction to meet every student’s learning needs.

Why do we screen all students?

We screen all K-8 students to identify early if a student may benefit from extra support–so we can intervene proactively rather than reactively. We screen all students so that we can be intentional and individualized in our instruction as well as monitor student growth throughout the year. 

What areas are screened?

• Literacy: foundational literacy skills like phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension

• Math: key skills aligned with grade-level expectations in number sense, operations and more

What happens with the screener results?

• Guides receive reports that capture important information about student strengths and needs

• Guides meet with our student support specialist to analyze the data and develop plans that incorporate evidence-based instructional strategies to best support students’ needs

• Results help guide conversations with you, the caregiver, about how your child is doing and how the school will support them

What does this mean for your child?

• If your child meets expectations, great! We will continue to support them through our individualized instruction

• If the screener indicates that your child may need more support, we will communicate this with you! We will share what we are doing to support your child here at school and what you can do to support them at home.

• The screening is not a test your child studies for–it is a quick snapshot of your child’s academic skills that helps us tailor our instruction

• It is one piece of information–not the only piece. Guides use daily work, classroom observations, and other data to understand and meet your child’s needs holistically.

How can you help at home?

• Encourage reading and math discussions at home! Model a love for reading, read with your child, talk about books, ask your child about how they solved a problem; show interest!

• Support the interventions or recommendations the guide shares, your partnership is key to your child’s success

• Stay in communication, if you have concerns or notice changes in your child’s behavior, engagement, or work completion, let your child’s guide know

Questions you might have

Will this determine special education services?

No. Universal screening is given to all K-8 students and provides important academic information that informs our instructional practice.

Will my child feel singled out?

No. Everyone is screened. If support is recommended, it simply means the school is ensuring your child gets what they need to succeed.

Can I see my child’s results?

Yes, your child’s guide will share information about Fastbridge screening at conferences.

If you have additional questions, feel free to contact our student support specialist, Tracy Hamel.