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Dear Families,

I am writing to share information about one of the ways your child in grades K-6 will be assessed in reading and mathematics this year. Our teachers have many ways to check your child’s academic development and growth, including a universal screening assessment. Universal screening assessments are brief tests that provide information about your student’s reading and math skills. Screening makes it possible to see if a student is at risk of developing reading and math difficulties, including risk of dyslexia. Screening does not diagnose dyslexia or other disabilities, but it does help us understand which students may need additional support to be successful in school. We are required to assess students in grades K-3 at least twice per year consistent with Massachusetts regulation 603 CMR 28.03(1)(f).

Our district uses a screening assessment called iReady. iReady Diagnostic is a research-based, computer adaptive test (CAT) that provides us with a detailed understanding of each student's academic skills and growth in both literacy and math. Its adaptive nature ensures that the assessment adapts to each student's abilities, providing accurate and actionable data for instructional planning. Click here for more information about iReady Diagnostic. iReady Diagnostic is one of several screening assessments approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Your student will be assessed three times during the school year. It typically takes 45-minutes or less to complete this assessment, and the tentative schedule for this school year is shown below.

Grade Screening Assessment Windows (Subject to Change)
Kindergarten-6th September, January, and May

Following the screening assessment, a team at each school will review all students’ results. Score reports will also be provided to families (Click here for a sample report). If your student scores “significantly below benchmarks,” we will contact you within 30 school days of testing, to share our plan for supporting your student and offering an opportunity for you to meet with our team.

Please reach out if you would like additional information:

• For questions about iReady, contact your school’s principal

• For questions about your student’s testing results, contact their teacher

Screening is another step that helps students at our schools become proficient readers and mathematicians, and we are grateful for the continued support and partnership with Abington families.

In partnership,

Dr. Christopher T. Basta, Assistant Superintendent

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