What type of assessments can best gauge students' foundational reading skills quickly?

Universal screening assessments are designed to quickly evaluate the foundational reading skills of all students in a given grade or class. These assessments typically occur at the beginning of the school year or at specific intervals throughout the year to identify students who may need additional support in their reading development.

The key features of universal screening assessments include their standardized nature and the ability to assess a wide range of students, making it possible to identify those who are at risk for reading difficulties early on. They are typically brief and focused on the most critical components of reading, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

By efficiently providing data on student performance, these assessments allow educators to make informed decisions about instruction, intervention, and resource allocation, ultimately supporting students' reading development more effectively.