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Dear Spartan Families,
As we wrap up our beginning-of-year universal screening window in both reading and math, we want to share what these screenings are for, how the school uses the data, and how you can benefit as well.
What is Universal Screening and Why Do We Use It?
Universal screening means that every student in grades K–8 is assessed three times a year with a brief, valid tool, to check foundational skills in reading and math. At SCA we administer the Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST) which is a tool that helps:
- Provide a snapshot of your child’s current skills, such as reading comprehension and math understanding.
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Identify strengths and areas in need of support, including potential signs of reading or math fluency difficulty.
In addition to FAST, under the Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 538), schools must administer a state board–approved universal reading screener to all K–3 students three times annually as well. To meet this requirement, students at SCA engage with a computer-based AI reading fluency program called Amira. This tool provides additional insight, specifically on a child’s ability to read in specific categories such as phonological awareness, phonics, and vocabulary.
How the School Uses Screening Data
After each screening, our school:
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Shares your child’s results with you, giving insight into their current competencies and progress.
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Analyzes the data to help teachers tailor instruction; grouping students, adjusting lessons, and offering focused support where it’s needed.
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Provides both support and enrichment. While some students may receive targeted intervention in reading or math, others may be identified for enrichment opportunities, including potential nomination for gifted eligibility.
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Monitors growth over time, allowing us to see how your child is developing throughout the year since the initial screening.
- If necessary, follows up with a tiered intervention plan if a child demonstrates a significant reading or math deficiency.
How You Can Use the Data
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Track growth: Compare your child’s results across time to celebrate gains and notice patterns.
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Understand competencies: See whether your child is strong in phonics, vocabulary, fluency, or math concepts, and where extra practice may help.
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Support at home: Use the report to guide activities, ask targeted questions, or coordinate with your child’s teacher.
Accessing Screening Results
Coming soon, screening results/reports will be posted to your child’s Progress tab, under Files, in MySchoolApp.
- Please be sure you have access to MySchoolApp, as Savannah Classical Academy does not use PowerSchool. All student information including grades, progress reports, attendance, athletic practices, and more is housed in MySchoolApp.
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New families and students previously received an activation message for My School App on July 31st from the email address savannahclassicalacademy@myschoolapp.com.
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Returning families and students activated accounts last year and now maintain management their own password using the email address associated with the account.
- For guidance, you can view our video tutorial by clicking the following link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxBxm2j9SFU.
- If you need additional support, please send an email to info@scasav.org.
Friendly reminder, the first progress report of the year will be issued on September 12th. Progress reports can be found in the same area as the screening results report on your child’s progress tab under the files section.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s academic growth. Once released, if you would like help interpreting your child’s screening report, please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Best,
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