K-3 Literacy Guidance Framework: Instruction, Assessment, and Intervention

Early identification and instruction aimed at addressing potential reading difficulties is the key to preventing prolonged difficulties in learning to read and ensuring that all students are reading with proficiency by the end of third grade. Tier 1 core reading curricula needs to be: (a) evidence based, (b) systematic and structured, (c) encompass explicit word reading skills and rich language and knowledge development. Tier 2 supports and interventions and Tier 3 intensive interventions need to be: (a) evidence- based, (b) targeted towards the unique needs of individual students and instructional contexts, (c) based on assessment. Universal Screening of students for signs of dyslexia and other reading difficulties beginning in kindergarten is one of the first steps in this prevention process. The use of evidence-based practices and materials in all tiers of instruction is key to the development of skilled readers. Systematic instruction that is coherent across instructional contexts and guided by a clear scope and sequence is essential. The use of reliable and valid screening, as well as diagnostic, progress monitoring, and assessment tools ensures that further assessments, intervention, and instruction are guided by data. The use of a range of explicit evidence-based instructional approaches ensure that all students receive the instruction they need. Educator training in the complexities of reading development and difficulties empowers educators to teach, assess, and progress monitor the development of foundational reading skills, understand student data, and use data to guide instruction. This document has been reviewed and updated by a collaborative of technical content experts, including Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) staff and Wyoming educators.