Using Screener Data and Individualized Reading Plans to Promote Literacy Growth for Students With and at Risk for Reading Difficulty

This chapter focuses on the implementation of a statewide early literacy screening system designed to identify students with and at risk for reading difficulties and plan literacy interventions. The screening system provides educators with levels of risk and instructionally relevant information for participants, including students with Individualized Education Plans, to guide early literacy intervention. Barriers and facilitators to statewide implementation of new literacy legislation as well as recommendations for (a) supporting teacher understanding and use of the screener data for instruction and outreach and (b) professional development to support knowledge of evidence-based literacy instruction to support all learners are discussed. Finally, a case study is presented to demonstrate how educators can effectively use screening data to create specific intervention plans for students who are identified as at risk for developing reading difficulties.