Initial Sounds Fluency

What does Initial Sounds Fluency assess?

          Initial Sounds Fluency assesses a child's ability to recognize and produce the
               first, or initial, sound in a word.

          The child listens to spoken words while looking at pictures.

When is it given?

          It is given in the beginning and middle of the Kindergarten school year.

How is it administered?

        To view a video clip of this being given to a child, click on the link below.

          To view an online tutorial, click on the link below.

                                                                

In review...

          The teacher reads a specific set of directions to the child.

          The teacher shows the child 4 pictures, while pointing to and naming each one.

          The child is asked to either point to, or say, the picture that begins with the sound
               that the teacher produces.

          The fourth question in each set requires that the child give the sound that a
               designated picture makes.

          The child has 1 minute to produce as many initial sounds as he/she can.

          The stopwatch runs only when the child is responding.

          If the child struggles with a response for 5 seconds, the teacher moves on to the
               next question.

          A specific formula is used to calculate the child's score.

Why is this important?

          The ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words is an important aspect of
               phonemic awareness.

          Skill in this area is very important for children when learning how to read.

Where should my child's score be when he takes this test?

          The benchmark score differs depending upon the time of year the test is taken.

          Let's think of benchmark as meaning the score your child needs to be considered
               on target for the time of year the test is taken.

          The chart below will show the minimum benchmark score. Children who score
               below the benchmark will receive additional reading support.

         A child should reach the benchmark goal for this assessment by the middle of
               Kindergarten.
 

Initial Sounds Fluency Benchmark Scores

Marie L. Smith
Red Creek Central School District
M. W. Cuyler Elementary School
Last updated on 2-9-05

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