Universal Literacy Screener K-3
Why is the Elizabeth Public Schools administering a universal literacy screener?
New Jersey has passed new literacy laws to help all children become strong readers, promote educational equity, and support every student’s success in school. These laws create a shared approach to teaching reading across the state and provide guidance and resources for districts like ours.
Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, all New Jersey students in grades K-3 will be assessed using an approved universal literacy screener at least two times per year. These quick assessments help schools identify early reading challenges and communicate strengths and areas of concern to families so student can get support as soon as possible.
What is a universal literacy screener?
A universal literacy screener is a brief reading check-up that:
- Is given to all students, not just those who are struggling
- Helps teachers see which skills are strong and which may need more practice
- Guides decisions about extra support, small-group instruction, and classroom strategies
It is not a graded test and does not appear on a student’s report card.
What will Elizabeth Public Schools do?
To support early reading success, Elizabeth Public Schools will:
- Assess students in grades K–6 up to three times per year using an approved universal literacy screener (mCLASS DIBELS 8/mCLASS Lectura)
- Notify families of screening results within 30 days of each screening window
- Provide individualized, data-informed interventions tailored to student needs
- Submit screening data to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE)
By using universal screening tools, data-driven instructional decisions, and tiered interventions, we can identify students at risk for reading difficulties early and provide timely, targeted support. This helps close learning gaps before they become long-term academic barriers and ensures all students have equitable access to high-quality literacy instruction.
Highlights of the Legislation
Enacted as P.L. 2024, Chapters 52 and 53, the legislation includes:
- Creation of a Statewide Literacy Working Group and implementation of Universal Literacy Screeners (S2655/A4303)
- Establishment of the Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (LEAR) (A2288/S2647)
The legislation charges the Working Group on Student Literacy with providing key recommendations to the NJDOE, including:
- Implementing evidence-based literacy strategies
- Selecting reliable tools for universal literacy screening
- Adopting high-quality instructional materials to support literacy development
The Working Group on Student Literacy Recommendations Report was released on March 19, 2025. Further guidance was provided in May 2025 through The New Jersey Literacy Framework: A Guide to Evidence-Based Literacy Practices & Universal Screeners.
Additional information may be found here: mClass DIBELS Caregiver Hub
For more information about the NJ Literacy Legislation visit the Office of Learning Equity & Academic Recovery website.