Understanding Early Literacy Implementation Changes
What is HF 2618?
HF 2618 is a new law that went into effect this year that updated the state’s Early Literacy Implementation requirements for students in kindergarten through grade six. This legislation is designed to support K-6 students who are not reading proficiently. The law requires schools to provide personalized teaching/reading plans for students who are not reading at grade level. It also requires that schools notify parents about their child’s reading status and their option to retain students at their current grade level due to their reading proficiency.
Can you explain the three key elements outlined in the Early Literacy legislation?
- Personalized Reading Plans:
Schools must provide personalized reading plans for K-6 students who are not reading proficiently. These plans will help tailor support and ensure the child receives the right resources to improve their reading skills. If a student is struggling, this plan will include strategies for improving reading and provide regular progress updates. These plans must include:
- Regular progress updates.
- Clear goals for improving reading skills.
- Specific interventions to support the student’s learning.
Progress will be monitored frequently (usually weekly) to track improvements and adjust interventions as needed.
- Notification of Reading Proficiency:
If a K-6 student is not reading at grade level, schools must notify parents or guardians in writing. The notice will include details about the student’s reading abilities based on approved screening assessments. - Retention Policy:
If a child is not reading proficiently in grades K-6, and a parent or guardian requests retention, the school must retain the student at their current grade level for the following year. This option can be requested multiple times if the student continues to struggle.
How is reading proficiency determined?
K-3 — FAST (Formative Assessment System for Teachers) is a state-approved screening assessment used in school districts across Iowa to determine potential reading difficulties for students in grades K-3.
4-6 — Student reading proficiency for grades 4-6 is determined by English Language Arts performance on ISASP.
Linn-Mar will still utilize FAST for grades 4-8 to continue to support students, however, FAST is not used in those grades to determine proficiency under the new law.
What role does the parent play with these new processes?
Parents play a crucial role in helping their child improve reading skills. Our teachers will develop a personalized reading plan and then partner with you to and will communicate with you about your child’s progress and how to best support your child.
How can I access my child’s ISASP scores?
The Iowa Department of Education has released an ISASP Parent Portal in order for parents to more readily access a child’s ISASP results through a secure website. Linn-Mar students in grades 4-6 have previous ISASP scores available for parents to review, and the district has created a location within PowerSchool to more easily and securely share ISASP access codes with parents. The link below contains information that will help guide you in accessing this information. Each access code is specifically assigned to each child who took the ISASP in the Spring of 2024.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION: A new access code is issued by Pearson for each year’s ISASP test results. The current access code is for the Spring 2024 ISASP results. If your child took the ISASP in the Spring of 2024 and was in grade 3 through 11, they will have an access code listed in your PowerSchool account (where you registered your child(ren) for school).
How to access your claim code.pdf
ISASP Parent Portal Access Guide.pdf
ISASP Parent Portal Overview.pdf
If your child attended a different school during the 2023-2024 school year, you will need to contact your child’s former school district for their results.
Where can I find additional information?
For details, see the Iowa Department of Education FAQ.