Question for classroom teachers particularly on LI in younger grades...

When you start with a new class in September do you "check out" the kids before hand - i.e. look at their files/scores from the previous year to get a guage on where they are at? For example, do you look at the reading level they finished the year before at when assessing them in September to figure out where to start with them in the leveling process? Do you use the prior years scores for grouping? Or, do you just start fresh and use your own assessments for everything? Is there a school policy on this generally? THX so much!

Re: Question for classroom teachers particularly on LI in younger grades...

I teach 1st but in VA. We have placement cards that the previous year's teacher fills out, so I look at those. They have the exiting reading level, whether they are high, average, or below average academically and behaviorally, and a place where teachers can write a note if there is something that they want the new teacher to know. I always look at them before school starts to get an idea, but we have to give each student the DRA, so it helps to have an idea where they are reading at. I barely remember what card goes with what student so it's not like I am judging them before they come in, but it does help after I get to know them after a few weeks and then go back to the cards because a lot of times some of what I am seeing in class is noted on the cards!

Re: Question for classroom teachers particularly on LI in younger grades...

Yes, we start with the reading level they were on in June. Many times, kids regress over the summer and drop a few levels but they're usually back where they were by the end of September.
FWIW, I couldn't imagine not using the information from assessments given to you. How would a teacher know where to start? With the exception of kindergarten or a new student that doesn't have any records with them.

Question for classroom teachers particularly on LI in younger grades...

I totally look at their reading levels because I like to give them book baggies by the end of September and by that point, I'm not even close to being done assessing them individually.