Literacy & Numeracy Screening

The Government of Alberta requires school divisions to conduct literacy and numeracy screening with students in kindergarten through to grade 5. The purpose of screening is to help identify learning needs early and ensure students receive appropriate support when needed. FSD is required to administer these screenings, share results with families, and provide interventions when screening results indicate a student may need additional support. 

Please scroll down to review the Parent Guide: Literacy and Numeracy Screening or visit Alberta.ca to learn more.

What is Literacy and Numeracy Screening?

Literacy and numeracy screening is part of Alberta Education and Childcare's provincial approach to supporting student success. These assessments help identify students who may benefit from additional support in reading, writing, language development, mathematics, and number sense.

The screenings are not graded tests and are not used for report card marks. They are intended to provide information that helps educators respond to student learning needs.

Why is Screening Required?

Under provincial requirements, Alberta school divisions must:

• Conduct literacy and numeracy screening for designated grades.
• Share screening results with parents and guardians.
• Report screening information to Alberta Education and Childcare.
• Provide intervention supports for students identified through the screening process.
• The Ministry's goal is to identify learning challenges early so students can access supports as quickly as possible.

What Does this Look Like in FSD Schools?

As the screening is a provincial requirement, Foothills School Division has worked these required assessments into its established assessment and reporting schedule (view our System of Reporting). Schools work closely with families to support student success.

Schools use screening results alongside classroom observations, assessments, and ongoing learning evidence to determine the most appropriate supports for each student. Additional supports may include targeted literacy or numeracy interventions, differentiated instruction, or other learning strategies. FSD has invested intervention staff and professional learning to support students identified through the provincial screening process. 

What Can Parents Expect?

Parents and guardians can expect:

• Information about when screening will occur.
• Communication about their child's results.
• Follow-up conversations if additional supports are recommended.
• Ongoing updates about their child's progress.

A screening result is only one source of information about a student's learning and does not define a child's abilities or future success.