Starting this school year (2025-2026), all Kindergarten students in B.C. will take part in early literacy screening. The Ministry of Education and Child Care introduced the program to help identify reading challenges sooner so students can get the support they need before small struggles become big barriers.
The program will expand to include all students in Grades 1 to 3 in 2026-2027.
At New Westminster Schools, all Kindergarten and Grade 1 students will be screened this year using a ministry-approved tool. Students in Grades 2 and 3 will join the program next year.
What is literacy screening?
An early literacy screener is a short, teacher-led assessment that checks key reading skills such as letter and sound recognition, phonemic awareness, and oral language.
The ministry’s tool is evidence-based, reliable and designed to predict future reading performance. It helps teachers understand where each child is in their learning so they can plan the right support to build strong literacy skills from the start.
Screening is critical because:
- It helps identify students who may require extra support.
- It supports early intervention.
- It helps teachers tailor instruction.
Questions and answers
Is early literacy screening a test?
The screening is not a test and is not used to determine a student’s proficiency level on their report card.
How many times will my child be screened?
Students will be screened at the beginning, middle, and end of year by their classroom teacher.
Will the screening results be shared with parents and caregivers?
Teachers may choose to share the screening process and results with parents and caregivers. These informal conversations can help families understand how their child’s literacy skills are developing and offer ideas for supporting learning at home.
Will all Kindergarten and Grade 1 students be screened?
Yes. All Kindergarten and Grade 1 students in our district will take part in screening this year. That includes students in French immersion, English language learners and students with disabilities or diverse abilities.
How will screening work for French Immersion students?
In the 2025-26 school year, Kindergarten students in French immersion will be screened in English first. As they progress in French instruction, they’ll also be screened in French later in the year (once in the middle and again at the end).
How will screening work for ELL students?
ELL students can take part in screening. If a student is not yet proficient in English, teachers may use extra tools, such as vocabulary and language comprehension checks, to get a fuller picture of their early literacy skills.
How will screening work for students with disabilities and diverse abilities?
Most students can take part in screening, but there may be exceptions. In those cases, teachers will work with the school-based resource teacher or case manager to decide the best approach.