Assessment and Evaluation

Children develop in different ways and at different times. There are certain signs of reading or learning problems, though, that parents and teachers can watch out for. Learn about the different processes for identifying kids who need extra help to succeed in school. You may also want to browse the Struggling Readers section for additional resources.

Refresh your knowledge about how to assess core literacy skills. Try the Assessment module in our free, self-paced online course, Reading 101: A Guide to Teaching Reading and Writing.

Featured Video: Assessment and Evaluation

See all Assessment and Evaluation video

Our PBS Series:
Launching Young Readers

Al Roker
Empowering Parents

Learn the warning signs for a child who may have difficulties with reading and why early intervention is so important.

Annette Bening
Sounds & Symbols

Explore how children learn the relationship between sounds, letters, and words.

See all PBS shows

The Basics

Catch Them Before They Fall: Identification and Assessment to Prevent Reading Failure in Young Children
Early Reading Assessment: A Guiding Tool for Instruction
RTI and Reading: Response to Intervention in a Nutshell
Early Screening Is at the Heart of Prevention
Who Can Diagnose LD and/or ADHD
Elementary teacher working one-on-one with student
School-Based Screening for Disabilities
Elementary teacher working one-on-one with student on reading
Stages of the Assessment Process
Suspect a Problem?
See all Assessment and Evaluation articles >

For Parents

FAQs About Evaluations for Learning and Attention Issues
Recognizing Reading Problems
Recognizing Reading Problems
How to Help Your Child Prepare for Standardized Tests
How to Help Your Child Prepare for Standardized Tests
Preparing Your Child for Testing
Preparing Your Child for Testing
The Parent-Teacher Conference
The Parent-Teacher Conference
What to Expect From an Evaluation
""
Having Your Child Tested for Learning Disabilities Outside of School
How to Read a Report Card
How to Read a Report Card
When to Call Your Child's Teacher
When to Call Your Child's Teacher
Does My Preschooler Have Delayed Development?
Does My Preschooler Have Delayed Development?
Back-to-School, for Parents!
Back-to-School, for Parents!
Is It a Reading Disorder or Developmental Lag?
See all Assessment and Evaluation articles >

For Teachers

Teacher assessing student's reading skills
The Simple View of Reading
Dyslexia in the Schools: Assessment and Identification
Improving Practice: Four Essential Components Supporting Quality Reading Instruction
Common Types of Reading Problems and How to Help Children Who Have Them
Elementary teacher assessing fluency with student
Screening, Diagnosing, and Progress Monitoring for Fluency: The Details
Selecting Assessments for Your School
Helping Children with Communication Disorders in the Schools
See all Assessment and Evaluation articles >

Professional Development Webcasts

Listen, watch, and learn from top experts in these engaging roundtable discussions. Each webcast features a 60–minute video as well as recommended readings and suggested discussion questions.

The Role of RTI in LD Identification
Implementing Response to Intervention in Early Childhood Settings
Preschool for ELLs
Talking Tutoring
Academic Language and English Language Learners
Teaching Writing
See all Webcasts >

Research & Reports

What Does “Below Basic” Mean on NAEP Reading?
Improving Reading Outcomes for Students with or at Risk for Reading Disabilities
Developing Kindergarten Readiness and Other Large-Scale Assessment Systems
See all Assessment and Evaluation research >

Additional Resources We Recommend

NAEP Report Card: Reading
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences
Florida Center for Reading Research
Florida Center for Reading Research
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." — Walt Disney