Fastbridge
FastBridge is the universal dyslexia screening tool used by Topeka Public Schools. Students in grades K-12 complete assessments to determine potential reading risk. In grades K-12, assessments are individually administered, while grades 6-12 complete assessment screening via computer -adapted tests. Screener assessments in the lower grades focus on letter names and sounds, segmenting and blending sounds, reading nonsense words, and oral reading fluency. Assessment focuses on oral reading fluency as students proceed through intermediate elementary. In middle school they continue with oral reading fluency and add a comprehension piece. High school students are screened using NWEA Map and students who indicate risk are given computerized FastBridge assessments to further explore any possible reading difficulties.
Quick Phonics Assessment (QPA)
The Quick Phonics Assessment (QPA) is a diagnostic assessment give to elementary students whose NWEA Map and FastBridge scores indicate that further information regarding their decoding skills is needed. The QPA assesses phonics progressively from least to most difficult decoding skills. The goal is to determine a student's specific phonics gap(s).