Upper Darby staff recommend MAP Reading Fluency assessment to streamline early-literacy screening

Upper Darby staff recommended the district adopt MAP Reading Fluency as a benchmark and progress-monitoring tool for early literacy in 2025—6, saying the digital, adaptive assessment can screen multiple students simultaneously, capture audio for teacher review, and generate instructional reports that guide targeted interventions.

Kristen O'Neal and other presenters said the district currently uses Ames Web for one-on-one screening and that MAP Reading Fluency offers greater efficiency while assessing lower strands of reading (phonological awareness, phonics, decoding and fluency) and oral reading comprehension. "One of the key advantages of MAP Reading Fluency is that it adapts to each student's ability level," a presenter said, noting the platform routes students to tasks matched to their needs and provides instructional resources linked to student performance.

Staff described the proposed implementation plan: three benchmark administrations per year with frequent progress monitoring for students needing additional support, audio capture of student readings so teachers can review and share evidence with families, and a three-phase professional development program (test administration, using reports to guide instruction, and refinement/monitoring sessions in Oct—6/Nov).

Cost components outlined to the committee include annual licensing, one-time headphone purchases, and upfront professional development; presenters said instructional resources are included with the MAP package and that publishers will assist with aligning assessments and teacher materials. Teachers and board members in the meeting said they welcomed the efficiency of group administration and the ability to replay audio for instructional review and family communication.

Staff recommended moving the MAP Reading Fluency item to the voting meeting so the board can consider formal adoption and budget approval in August.