Data and Assessment

Minnesota READ Act Local Assessment Requirements

K–3 Reading Screening (Universal Literacy & Dyslexia Screening)

Minnesota law requires that all students in kindergarten through third grade are screened for early reading skills and signs of reading difficulties, including characteristics of dyslexia. This is part of the state’s READ Act, which aims to help every child read at or above grade level. Minnesota Department of Education

• Schools use a reading screener approved by the Minnesota Department of Education.

• Students are screened three times a year—fall, winter, and spring—to check skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, oral language, and early signs of dyslexia. Minnesota Department of Education

• The screening data helps teachers identify strengths, celebrate growth, and target support early so students get the help they need to succeed. Minnesota Department of Education

This universal screening is intended to be supportive and informative, not stressful, and it helps schools plan instruction and interventions that meet each child’s needs. Minnesota Department of Education

Grades 4–12 Reading Screening (For Students Not Reading at Grade Level)

For students in grades 4–12 who are not reading at grade level, Minnesota also requires screening for reading difficulties, including characteristics of dyslexia. Minnesota Department of Education

• Schools determine which students are not reading at grade level using reliable tools and then screen those students with an approved screening tool—currently Capti ReadBasix. Minnesota Department of Education

• The purpose is to understand specific areas of reading difficulty so schools can provide evidence-based instruction, interventions, and ongoing progress monitoring. Minnesota Department of Education

• Families can also request screening at any time if they are concerned about their child’s reading. Minnesota Department of Education

This process supports older students by identifying reading needs and connecting them to instructional strategies and interventions that help them build skills and confidence.

Why Screening Matters

Screening is a fast, simple way to check how students are reading and to catch challenges early — so teachers and families can work together to support success. It is not a pass/fail test, and results are used to guide instruction and help students grow.

Capti ReadBasix English Reading Assessment: 

ReadBasix is an assessment that helps Aurora understand a student’s foundational reading skills and reading comprehension. It is designed to be short, supportive, and less stressful for students. Each part of the assessment focuses on a specific reading skill, allowing Aurora to gather helpful information without overwhelming students.

The assessment adjusts automatically to your child’s skill level based on previous results, helping ensure the questions are appropriate and a good fit for each student.

In 2026, students will be assessed in four skill areas:

• Word Recognition and Decoding

• Vocabulary

• Morphology

• Reading Efficiency

In the 2026–2027 school year, the assessment will expand to include additional skills:

• Sentence Processing

• Reading Comprehension

At Aurora, students in grades 4–8 who are performing below grade level on their FastBridge Reading assessments will take ReadBasix. The purpose of this assessment is to identify each student’s strengths and areas for growth so Aurora can provide targeted reading support and instruction

Parents who would like to learn more about each skill area and view sample assessment items can visit: