Initial Assessment for Intensive Reading Support
At Wired to Thrive, we take a personalized and thorough approach to understanding each child’s unique reading needs. Our initial assessment process combines standardized tools and targeted observations to create an individualized plan of action for supporting your child’s reading development.
What sets our approach apart:
Comprehensive Assessment Tools: We use Acadience ORF, Nonsense Word Assessments, Words Their Way, PAST Test for Phonemic Awareness, and the Core Phonics Test. These tools are research-backed and proven effective in identifying specific areas of need, especially for children struggling with reading.
Holistic Approach: We don’t just assess reading and spelling skills—we also evaluate phonological awareness, encoding skills, and early reading development to provide a well-rounded understanding of how your child learns best.
Free and Accessible: Unlike many clinics that charge extra for testing, our assessments are integrated into our support program, ensuring that you have access to the information you need without any additional cost.
Timely Intervention: Our early intervention model helps us identify and address reading challenges at any age, starting from kindergarten. Early detection means better chances for success, and we prioritize intervention to lay a strong foundation.
Continuous Progress Monitoring: We reassess after 50 sessions to track your child’s progress, and adjust our approach as needed to ensure your child is on track to meet their reading and spelling goals.
Family-Centered Approach: Assessment results are fully shared with parents, ensuring that you are an active part of the process. We discuss next steps, intervention strategies, and—if necessary—recommend alternative programs or services to best suit your child’s needs.
Collaborative Support: If your child’s needs are more complex or require additional services, we will work with you to navigate the next steps, including supporting IEP development or helping you access further specialized services.
How the Assessment Works
Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP-2): Assesses key areas of phonological processing, which is a critical factor in reading challenges, particularly dyslexia.
Test of Word Reading Efficiency (TOWRE-2): Measures how quickly and accurately a student can read words and non-words. This helps pinpoint fluency issues and areas of struggle.
Grey Oral Reading Test (GORT-5): Measures reading fluency (rate and accuracy) and comprehension of text. This is essential for understanding a student’s ability to decode words and understand what they read.
Diagnostic Screening Test (DST - Spelling): Assesses spelling abilities, including phonologically regular and irregular words, to identify encoding difficulties.
Early Skill Assessments: For younger children or those starting their reading journey, we assess phonological awareness skills and early reading capabilities to determine readiness for further learning.
Reading Mastery Placement & Ongoing Assessment
If you choose to enroll your child in our Reading Mastery program, an additional placement test will be conducted to assess the best starting point for their instruction. This ensures that the program is tailored to your child's current level of reading ability.
Placement Test: This test helps us determine the most appropriate starting point for your child in the Reading Mastery program, ensuring that instruction is both challenging and achievable.
Ongoing Assessment: Throughout the Reading Mastery program, we conduct regular assessments to monitor progress and make adjustments to the learning plan as needed. This allows us to continuously support your child's growth and address any emerging needs.
Why Our Approach Works:
Accessibility & Affordability: We offer high-quality assessments at no extra charge as part of our support program, making it more accessible for families who may not have the financial resources for private testing.
Focused on Progress: Instead of just diagnosing challenges, our assessments guide specific interventions to address gaps and accelerate progress. We continually adjust our approach to meet the unique needs of each child.
Comprehensive Family Support: Beyond just assessments, we’re here to walk you through the process. We provide you with clear, actionable steps, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way.
Empowering Students & Parents: Our goal is to help you understand your child’s learning needs so that you can confidently advocate for the appropriate support at school, at home, and within your community.
