Using Assessment to Guide Instruction for Dyslexic Learners

Using Assessment to Guide Instruction for Dyslexic Learners

For educators and interventionists working with dyslexic learners, assessment isn’t just a formality—it’s a powerful tool that helps us tailor instruction, track progress, and ensure students are getting the support they need to thrive. When used thoughtfully, assessment provides a roadmap that guides us from where a student is to where they need to be.

The Purpose of Assessment

Assessments serve several key purposes:

• Identify specific skill gaps – Dyslexia affects individuals in different ways. Some students may struggle with phonological awareness, while others have difficulty with decoding, fluency, or spelling. Assessments help pinpoint which areas need the most attention.

   

• Set meaningful goals – Once we understand where a student is struggling, we can set measurable, achievable goals that drive instruction forward.

   

• Monitor progress – Regular assessments help us determine whether instruction is effective or needs to be adjusted. They allow us to celebrate growth and course-correct when necessary.

   

• Inform instruction – Perhaps most importantly, assessment data tells us what to teach next, ensuring that instruction is always aligned with the student’s current needs.

   

Types of Assessment

There are several types of assessments that can be especially helpful when working with dyslexic students:

• Screeners: These are brief assessments used to identify students who may be at risk for dyslexia or other reading difficulties. Early screening is key to early intervention.

   

• Diagnostic Assessments: These offer a more in-depth look at a student’s reading profile, helping identify strengths and weaknesses in specific areas such as phonemic awareness, decoding, encoding, and fluency.

   

• Formative Assessments: These are ongoing checks for understanding that occur during instruction. Examples include observing a student’s ability to segment sounds during a lesson or reviewing a writing sample for patterns of error.

   

Making Assessment Meaningful

Assessment should never feel punitive or overwhelming for the student. It should be a natural part of the learning process. Here are a few tips to make assessment meaningful and effective:

• Build rapport and trust – When students feel safe and supported, they are more likely to engage honestly and confidently in assessments.

   

• Use data to drive instruction, not to label – Assessment should be a springboard for action, not a judgment of ability. Every data point is a clue that helps unlock the best path forward.

   

• Celebrate small wins – For dyslexic learners, progress can sometimes be slow and steady. Recognizing and celebrating growth helps build confidence and motivation.

   

Empowering Students Through Assessment

Ultimately, using assessment well empowers not just the educator, but the student. When we can clearly show a learner how far they’ve come—and explain what they’re working on and why—it builds trust and ownership of the learning process.

At Apricot Tree Academy, we believe that assessment is one of the most powerful tools we have to unlock a student’s potential. With the right data and the right approach, we can provide instruction that is responsive, respectful, and remarkably effective.