What type of tests serve as an initial assessment of a student's readiness for grade-level reading instruction?

Screening tests serve as an initial assessment of a student's readiness for grade-level reading instruction by identifying students who may need additional support or intervention. These tests are typically administered at the beginning of the school year or before a new instructional unit to gauge students' foundational reading skills. The purpose of screening is to quickly and efficiently determine which students are at risk of falling behind and may require further evaluation or targeted instruction.

Effective screening tests involve brief, focused assessments that measure essential skills related to reading, such as phonemic awareness, letter recognition, and basic comprehension. By identifying students who may not be meeting the expected benchmarks for their grade level, educators can make informed decisions about instructional strategies and interventions to support those learners.

In contrast, other types of assessments like formative assessments are used throughout instruction to monitor student progress, while diagnostic tests provide more in-depth insights into individual students' strengths and weaknesses, focusing on specific areas of reading. Summative assessments evaluate overall achievement at the end of an instructional period and do not serve the initial purpose of assessing readiness for grade-level instruction.