After Screening
What Happens After Screening?
Screening gives teachers and families information about how a child’s reading skills are developing. It is not a diagnosis or a label. Schools can use screening results along with classroom learning and other information to decide what support may be helpful.
The Reading Support Cycle
Reading support is an ongoing process. Teachers notice strengths and needs, provide instruction, check progress, and adjust support as children learn and grow.
1 · Screen
Notice strengths and needs
A brief screening helps identify reading skills that are developing well and skills that may need more attention.
2 · Teach
Provide the right instruction
Every child receives strong classroom instruction. Some children may also benefit from additional targeted or intensive support.
3 · Check Progress
See what’s working
Teachers look at how a child responds to instruction over time—not just at one screening score.
4 · Adjust Support
Respond to what the child needs
Support can be continued, changed, increased, or reduced based on the child’s progress.
↻ The cycle continues.
What does this mean for my child?
A screening result is one piece of information. Teachers look at classroom learning, other information, and how a child responds to instruction over time to help decide what support may be useful.
Understanding Support
Where does MTSS fit?
MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) is a framework schools use to organize this process.
A tier isn’t a label for a child. Children can receive different levels of support at different times and for different skills.
For Families
You are part of the process.
You know things about your child that a screening can’t measure: what they love, what motivates them, what they’re proud of, what frustrates them, and where you see them thriving.
Bring that knowledge to conversations with your child’s teacher.
Try asking:
“What is my child doing well, what are you noticing, and what
will we try next?”