Dear Green Meadow Families,
I am writing to share an important update regarding our mid-year student assessment process and to reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accuracy, and the success of every student.
As part of our regular practice, we administer mid-year literacy assessments to our students in Kindergarten - Grade 3 to better understand their progress and inform instruction. This year, we encountered unexpected concerns related to our Kindergarten early literacy screening tool, Imagine+ (formerly known as EarlyBird Early Literacy Screener), which is published by Imagine Learning.
Over the past four years, we have used this state-approved assessment to monitor early reading development. Following the company’s recent acquisition and platform updates, we have experienced technical challenges and learned that scoring benchmarks were adjusted. As we reviewed our mid-year data, we noticed a higher-than-expected number of students identified as performing below benchmark. These results did not fully align with classroom observations and other measures of student performance.
When we see discrepancies, we pause, ask questions, and take action.
To ensure we have the clearest and most accurate understanding of student progress, our literacy team is administering additional screening measures, including components of DIBELS 8 (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills). Using multiple data sources allows us to cross-check results and make informed instructional decisions.
Our priorities are clear:
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Accuracy – We want assessment data to reflect students’ true abilities.
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Responsiveness – We adjust instruction based on evidence, not assumptions.
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Equity – Every student deserves the right level of support.
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Transparency – Families deserve clear communication when questions arise.
Kindergarten is a year of tremendous academic and developmental growth. Early literacy skills develop at different rates, and assessments are just one piece of a much larger picture that includes daily classroom performance, teacher observation, and ongoing progress monitoring.
Please know that we are carefully reviewing student data, strengthening core classroom instruction where needed, and providing targeted small-group support when appropriate. Most importantly, we remain deeply committed to ensuring that every student receives the instruction and support they need to thrive.
We believe transparency builds trust. When we encounter challenges, we address them directly and keep our community informed. Thank you for your continued partnership and confidence in our shared work on behalf of children. Families will receive copies of assessment reports on Thursday, March 5.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me or your child's teacher.
With appreciation,
Karen Lindquist
Green Meadow Principal
