Universal Reading Screening in Grades K-3
Why administer a reading universal screener?
Reading universal screeners help schools identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties as early as possible. Early identification allows educators to adjust core reading instruction and provide targeted support before small gaps become long-term challenges. Research shows that reading difficulties left unaddressed in the early grades often persist into later years.
Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, all New Jersey students in grades K-3 will participate in assessments using approved universal literacy screeners. The screener is administered to all K-3 students throughout the school year and provides consistent data to guide instruction. The results help schools determine whether core instruction is meeting the needs of most students, identify students who may benefit from additional support or further assessment, and ensure that instruction is effective for all student groups. This proactive, data-informed approach supports timely intervention and stronger reading outcomes for all learners.
In accordance with the legislation, PL.2024, Chapter 52, South Brunswick School District will:
- Assess students in grades K-3 three times per year
- Notify families of screening results within 30 days of each screening window
- Provide individualized, data-informed interventions tailored to student needs
- Submit screening data to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) twice per year
These practices are consistent with the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS) and Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) and underscore the district’s commitment to using research-based approaches to support early intervention and provide equitable literacy instruction for all students.
Universal Screener FAQ
Which K-3 universal reading screener will be used in South Brunswick?
All students in K-3 will be screened using mClass DIBELS 8.
Before the K-3 universal reading screener, how did the South Brunswick School District screen for dyslexia?
Before adopting mCLASS DIBELS, the South Brunswick School District used multiple assessments to identify students who might be at risk for future reading difficulties. These measures assessed key early literacy skills, including phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, high-frequency word fluency, and rapid automatized naming (RAN), which was administered at the end of kindergarten.
Are students in grades 4-5 screened?
Yes. Although the NJ legislation does not formally require school districts to screen and report the results of the assessment for grades 4-5 students, the South Brunswick school district screens students in grade 4 and 5 using the DIBELS 8 assessment. If additional services are needed, as identified by the results of the screener, the school district will reach out to parents directly on a case by case basis.
When will parents receive reports regarding the results of the reading universal screening?
In the 2025-2026 school year, reports will be shared with families of K-3 students in February and June. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, reports will be shared three times per year, October, February, and June.
How many times will students be assessed with the universal reading screener?
Students will be screened three times per year (September, January, May/June).
The screener will monitor student progress over time, measure growth in foundational reading skills, and help identify students who may be at risk for dyslexia or other reading difficulties so that support can be provided early. It's important to note that this screening is not a diagnosis or indication of a disability; rather, it is a tool we use to promote each child's success as a reader.
How long does the universal reading screener take?
mCLASS DIBELS 8 is designed to be brief and efficient. On average, it takes about 10 minutes per student per screening window, depending on the grade level and the specific DIBELS measures being administered. Most individual measures take one minute or less, which allows teachers to assess students quickly while minimizing instructional time lost.
What kind of information will parents receive from the universal reading screener?
Parents will receive a family-friendly mCLASS DIBELS Parent Report that explains how their child is developing in early reading skills. The report includes:
- Overall performance levels that show whether a student is meeting expectations or may need additional small group support
- Individual skill areas assessed (such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency, depending on grade level)
- Growth over time, allowing families to see progress across screening periods
- Clear visuals and plain-language descriptions to help parents understand the results
- Suggested next steps, including whether continued core instruction is appropriate or if additional support may be recommended
The purpose of the parent report is to share meaningful information in an easy-to-understand format, support communication between home and school, and help families understand how the school uses screening data to guide instruction and provide timely support when needed.
How do I learn more about Amplify mClass DIBELS 8 assessment and how to help my child at home?
mCLASS resources and guides for parents to support students at home can be found in the “Caregiver Hub”: http://amplify.com/caregiver-hub/mclass/
How will students be supported after the assessment?
If a child's screening results indicate a need for additional support, the school district offers services such as targeted small-group instruction, or other reading intervention programs. If your child qualifies for additional services based on the screening results, the school district will reach out to you directly.
Is the universal reading screener going to be part of my child’s grade?
No. The universal reading screener is not part of your child’s grade. It is an assessment for learning used to help teachers identify students who may be at risk of not yet meeting grade-level reading expectations, so instruction and support can be adjusted as needed.
What happened to running records and reading levels?
Running records and reading levels have not disappeared, but their role has evolved. While they provided helpful information in the past about how a child reads a specific text, reading levels can vary depending on the book, the assessor, and the conditions under which the running records are administered.
The district has shifted toward using universal screeners and other standardized, research-aligned assessments because they provide more consistent and objective information about the foundational skills that support reading development, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency. These tools help identify students who may need additional support earlier and more accurately.
Teachers continue to use a variety of classroom assessments and observations, including listening to students read, to guide daily instruction. However, reading levels are no longer emphasized as a primary indicator of progress, as the focus is on building strong, transferable reading skills rather than performance on a single leveled text.
How is student progress monitored between screeners?
Between universal screening periods, student progress is monitored through ongoing progress monitoring in mCLASS. For students receiving targeted small group reading support, teachers administer brief assessments aligned to the specific skills being taught (such as phonemic awareness, phonics, or fluency).
These progress monitoring measures are given regularly and take only a few minutes to administer. The results allow teachers to track growth over time, determine whether an intervention is effective, and make timely instructional adjustments when needed.
Progress monitoring data are reviewed by teachers and support staff during data meetings to ensure students are making expected progress and to decide whether continued support, changes in instruction, or additional assessment is warranted. This process helps ensure that instruction remains responsive to each student’s needs between screening windows.
What should I do if I have questions about my child’s reading screening report?
Please reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions about the screening process or results.
For more information regarding the NJ Literacy Legislation visit the NJDOE Office of Learning Equity & Academic Recovery website.