Early Literacy Assessment Implementation Decision Needed by March 31

Iowa’s school districts are expected to promote effective evidence-based programming, instruction and assessment practices to support all students to become proficient readers by the end of the third grade. As one step toward meeting these expectations, most districts have indicated a plan to implement the Iowa TIER system and its related assessments, FAST and IGDI, for the 2014-15 school year. This is the system currently being piloted by 10% of Iowa's elementary schools.

Regional trainings for the Iowa TIER system are coming, and training dates and signup procedures will be distributed in the near future. Please consult among your administrative and leadership teams, including the technology and curriculum directors, to determine if your district will use this system next year. Districts that wish to participate in this training must be able to meet a list of technical requirements for implementing the Iowa TIER system.

To help confirm implementation plans and ensure and support district technology infrastructure, Lance Wilhelm, Heartland AEA Director of Technology, and/or members of the agency’s technology department, will be in contact with all area districts in March. If you have questions, Lance can be reached at lwhilhelm@heartlandaea.org or (515) 270-9030.

More detailed information about the new expectations and requirements, the Iowa TIER system and other approved literacy assessments that districts may use is available on the Iowa Department of Education website at: https://www.educateiowa.gov/early-literacy-implementation