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Carroll County reports literacy screening gains; STAR Universal Reading Suite approved among state screeners
Summary
District officials told the board Jan. 13 that literacy screenings show fewer students identified with reading struggles after interventions; state board approved five screeners including the district’s STAR Universal Reading Suite, aligning local practice with Georgia legislation.
Dr. Jessica Ainsworth told the Carroll County Board of Education on Jan. 13 that the district is seeing reductions in the share of students flagged for reading difficulties after classroom interventions, and that state action has clarified which screening tools districts may use.
“After we screened kindergarten students in August, 31% showed characteristics of reading difficulty; after interventions and a December rescreen, 11% still showed those characteristics,” Dr. Jessica Ainsworth said. “We will never be satisfied until 100% of our students are reading in Carroll County.”
Ainsworth framed the update around state legislation, saying the district’s work aligns with House Bill 538 (the Georgia Literacy Act) and Senate Bill 48 (state dyslexia efforts). She said both measures require screening of students to find those who struggle with reading and characteristics of dyslexia, and that the State Board of Education approved five state‑approved screening tools on Dec. 12. One of those approved tools is the STAR Universal Reading Suite, which Carroll County Schools uses.
District staff reported that kindergarten screening in August showed 31% of students with indicators of reading difficulty; rescreening in December showed 11% continuing to struggle. Ainsworth credited classroom teachers and interventions for the reduction and thanked board members for allowing continued investment in reading tools and supports.
The board did not take formal action on literacy at the work session; the presentation was an informational update carried over from a Dec. 4 board advance meeting.
The state literacy laws referenced by district staff require screening and create statewide expectations for identifying students who need reading intervention; the State Board’s list of approved screeners is intended to standardize tools districts may use.
