Assessments

The Utah Literacy Lab (ULL) assessment typically evaluates a student's reading abilities and identifies strengths and areas for improvement. It’s a comprehensive  process designed to help tailor instructional support. While specifics may vary based on the student's needs, here's an outline of what the assessment usually entails:

1. Reading Skills Evaluation

• Oral Reading Fluency (ORF): Measures how well a student reads a passage aloud, focusing on speed, accuracy, and expression.

• Reading Comprehension: Assesses the student’s ability to understand and interpret what they read through questions or summaries.

• Phonics and Decoding: Evaluates knowledge of letter-sound relationships and the ability to decode unfamiliar words.

• Phonemic Awareness: Tests the ability to identify, segment, and manipulate sounds in words.

• Vocabulary: Measures word knowledge and the ability to understand new words in context.

2. Spelling Assessment

• This includes spelling tests to assess how well a student can translate phonics and language skills into written form.

3. Assessment Tools

• ULL uses standardized reading materials and tools, such as the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) and similar measures, as well as reading and spelling inventories tailored to the student’s needs.

4. Observation

• Assessors observe the student during reading activities to note strategies, persistence, and confidence.

5. Parent/Guardian Input

• Parents may provide background information on the child’s reading habits, struggles, and any prior interventions.

6. Detailed Report

• After the assessment, ULL provides a report outlining:

  • The student’s current reading level.

  • Identified areas of strength and weakness.

  • Recommendations for interventions or instructional strategies.

Please note, Utah Literacy Lab cannot diagnose dyslexia. We can, however, still tutor a student who is struggling in reading. If reading disability is severe, we may refer you to a specific dyslexia certified reading tutor.