Diocese of Dallas

Developing Students in Christ

All assessment is to “drive” classroom instruction. It is to inform the teacher so that he or she can make decisions that affect the child’s instructional plan. In the area of reading instruction these decisions need to be made from the very first day in school whether that is pre-kindergarten or kindergarten. These are critical, foundational years for literacy – reading and writing.

 International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and other professional groups have “buried the hatchet” in the war of the BEST way to teach reading. It is no longer “whole language” versus “the phonics approach”. Both aspects have an important place in reading instruction. It is called BALANCED LITERACY INSTRUCTION.

 Research has identified 5 key components that MUST be a part of EVERY Pre-kindergarten – 2^nd Grade instructional day. These components are:

• Alphabetic Principle (Letter Knowledge)

• Phonemic Awareness (Letter – Sound Relationship)

• Vocabulary / Word Work / Sight Words

• Guided Reading & Writing

• Comprehension

• Fluency

In our 3^rd to 8^th Grade classrooms, the instructional emphases shift somewhat to include:

• Phonics / Word Etymology / Spelling (Relationships)

• Vocabulary Development / Word Etymology / Spelling (Relationships)

• Guided Reading for Deep Meaning Comprehension

• Writing

• Fluency

In order to work effectively with all of our students, but most assuredly with our youngest, classroom assessment becomes critical. This is NOT the typical paper & pencil classroom testing of years gone by, but “kid watching” assessment that allows the teacher to get “into the head/brain” to see where the child is functioning so that appropriate and needed instruction can be planned.

There are many assessments available to assist campuses and classroom teachers in this strategic task. The Diocese, through Region 10 Educational Service Center, has provided many training sessions for teachers and administrators. There are many choices for assessments listed at

Our Diocesan policy in order to foster responsible and early identification of needs is to assess by the following guidelines. Ongoing training is available through Region 10.

©  2008 Catholic Schools Office, Diocese of Dallas