IRLA and Reading
IRLA and Reading
What is IRLA?
IRLA is the independent reading level assessment framework. Teachers use IRLA to determine your student’s independent reading level.
Students read 2-syllable, 3- syllable words, tricky words, define academic and technical vocabulary, demonstrate knowledge of skills, and then read stories to determine their independent level.
What are IRLA steps?
Your student will also be expected to participate in daily independent reading, both at school and at home, using leveled texts that they have chosen. The goal of this initiative is to not only enhance your student’s fluency and word attack skills, but to boost your student’s confidence and help them discover the joy and excitement that literature can offer!
Each 15-minute block of reading amounts to one step. Please note that each book is not considered a step; rather, a child only earns a step when he or she is engaged in independent reading for 15 minutes.
To record a step, simply locate your student’s “IRLA Step” chart in his or her take home folder, circle the picture of the home, and write your initials in the box. Please strive for one or two steps per night, which amounts to 15 or 30 minutes. The steps do not need to be completed in a single session. In fact, I recommend having your child complete one step as part of his or her homework and another before bed as a calm-down activity.
For Reading instruction the G.L.P uses CKLA Reading curriculum, it is aligned to the NYS Grade 1 Next Generation English Language Arts Learning Standards, which are outlined below.