IRLA (Independent Reading Leveling Assessment) is a resource that levels a scholar’s reading ability at their independent reading level (This is what a scholar can successfully read and comprehend on their own.) Scholars work to build their skills independently, in small groups, and one on one with the teacher. The purpose is to grow scholars as readers and advance them to the next level.

FWPS adopted the IRLA based on the recommendation of the K-8 ELA Adoption Committee of teachers, instructional coaches and building and district administrators. The committee reached 100% consensus that the IRLA is the best resource for differentiating instruction to support literacy achievement. This is directly in support and alignment of FWPS Strategic Plan Goal 1: The Early Years: Building the Foundation and Goal 4: Content Area Competence: Mastery of All Subjects.

IRLA is built for students to develop a love of reading through choice and provision of high quality high interest materials, and time embedded in the school day for reading independently.

The IRLA provides an instructional framework and a rich collection of resources for teachers to provide individualized instruction to help every scholar improve her/his independent reading skills. 

Every classroom received a leveled library of high interest books to engage scholars in independent reading practice.  Each scholar will have a specific goal to work on which will improve their independent reading skills. In addition, teachers will regularly conference with scholars to promote progress. 

There is a difference between Independent level of reading and Instructional level for reading and learning. In previous years, teachers may have found scholars’ instructional reading levels higher because they were including the scholars ability with the support of an adult. Now, with IRLA, teachers are finding independent reading levels, which show what  scholars can read and work with the text all by themselves. This may indicate a lower reading level than in the past.

A critical part of this resource is scholars reading 1 hour every day (30 minutes at school and 30 minutes at home). Please support your scholar in reading for 30 minutes at home every day.

Scholars will actively participate in a balanced literacy model of instruction. This includes a mini-lesson, reading and writing workshop, independent reading to build student stamina, and one on one and small group instruction.