Kentucky Reading Improvement Plans for K-4 Students
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has created reading improvement plans to help K-4 students become stronger readers. These plans focus on making sure young students learn important skills like phonics (understanding how letters make sounds), vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The goal is to make sure students are reading at or above grade level by the time they reach 4th grade.
Westside provides extra help for students who are struggling with reading. Our school may offer small group instruction or one-on-one tutoring for students who need more practice. We also use online resources designed to meet specific student needs. The state wants to make sure every student has a strong foundation in reading, so they can succeed in other subjects as they move up to higher grades. Families are encouraged to work with schools by reading at home and supporting their child’s learning. The overall goal is to give every child the skills they need to be confident, successful readers.
How do we determine who needs a Reading Improvement Plan?
K-3 students qualify for a reading improvement plan if they show signs of struggling with their reading skills. Teachers use special assessments to check how well each student is reading at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. If a student scores below grade level in important areas like phonics, vocabulary, or reading comprehension, they may be placed on a reading improvement plan. This plan helps teachers provide extra support to the student, such as additional lessons or tutoring, to help them improve their reading skills. The goal is to make sure that all students can read well and succeed in school.
4th grade students who scored "Novice" or "Apprentice" on the Kentucky Summative Assessment also qualify for a reading improvement plan. This is the state test that they take for the first time as 3rd graders, and it is their 3rd-grade performance that determines if they receive a reading improvement plan.
What assessments do we use to make these decisions?
i-Ready Reading Diagnostic
The i-Ready Reading Diagnostic is an online test that helps teachers understand how well students are reading. It adjusts the questions based on how students answer, so each test is just right for the student taking it. This test looks at different reading skills, like understanding sounds, knowing letters and words, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The results show teachers what students are good at and what they need to work on, helping them plan lessons that fit each student’s needs.
DIBELS Fluency Checks
DIBELS Fluency Checks are short, one-minute tests that measure how quickly and correctly students can read. These checks focus on important reading skills, like naming letters, sounding out words, and reading sentences aloud. The goal is to see how well students can read smoothly and understand what they read. Teachers use these results to see if students are making progress and to decide if they need extra help with their reading.
Spelling and Phonics Assessments
Spelling and phonics assessments test how well students know the sounds of letters, how to blend them, and how to spell words correctly. These assessments can be simple spelling tests or special tests that focus on phonics rules. The results help teachers figure out which sounds or spelling patterns students are having trouble with, so they can give extra lessons to strengthen those skills.
Kentucky Summative Assessment The KSA is our official State test. Reading is tested in grades 3, 4, and 5. This test occurs near the end of the school year, and results are reported in the following fall.
Together, these assessments help teachers get a clear picture of a student's reading ability and plan lessons that support their growth.