Phonics is an essential component of reading because it connects print to meaning. Decades of research support the importance of explicit phonics instruction in developing skillful readers. But where does assessment fit into the puzzle?

What is the purpose of phonics assessment? When should we assess? Where should we start? And most importantly, what do we do with the results?

As Dr. Jan Hasbrouck explains in her recent webinar, “The whole purpose of assessment is instruction.” She adds, “The research confirms that when teachers are using data-informed instruction, our students do better.”

If the purpose of assessment is to improve instruction, then assessments must provide usable information: accurate, precise data about students’ strengths and needs. They also need to be efficient—minimizing time spent testing so teachers can preserve as much time as possible for instruction and practice.

That’s why Jan originally created the Quick Phonics Screener (QPS) decades ago for her own use: to get good information, fast. Since its creation, QPS has helped thousands of educators do the same.

QPS is a proven diagnostic phonics assessment. Over the years, Jan has continued to develop QPS to further improve both its effectiveness and efficiency. Today, QPS includes:

  • Teacher scripts and instructions so educators can get started quickly
  • Forms for monitoring progress and planning instruction
  • A spelling assessment to identify encoding needs in addition to decoding needs
  • Example scenarios and decision-making guidelines to support teachers as they interpret results
  • And most recently, timing specifications to help teachers determine whether students are automatic, not just accurate

To learn more about phonics assessment, watch Jan’s webinar. In this session, she takes a deep dive into the importance of phonics assessment, explains the differences between various types of assessment, walks through the history of QPS and how it works, provides recommendations for using assessment data to inform instruction, and answers frequently asked questions from educators.

Ready to put phonics assessment into practice? Click here to order QPS.

Looking for phonics instruction and practice resources to support the needs identified through assessment? Check out our phonics solutions*.

*Jan recommends Word Warm-ups, available in print or digitally as a component of Read Live.