K-3 Literacy Legislation

In August 2024, the State signed legislation into law to "transform New Jersey’s approach to literacy instruction and advance academic recovery."   As such, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, schools must conduct universal literacy screeners for all students in kindergarten through third grade twice a year.   To see the full broadcast with links to the legislation, click here.

Fair Haven will be using the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) 8th Edition as their universal screening tool.  This is a tool that came recommended by the Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery (LEAR), an office created under the new laws.  

To learn more about the LEAR Office, click here.

Fair Haven is, and has been, dedicated to providing comprehensive literacy instruction, which includes local assessments, in addition to this new universal screener.  It is key to note that the district has been using this screener in grade 1 and students new to grade 2, but has now expanded it to include kindergarten, all of grade 2, and grade 3.

Through Fair Haven's Tiered System of Supports (FHTSS), our intervention team, in collaboration with classroom teachers,  has been a driving force in identification of students who would benefit from additional, targeted literacy interventions through tiered plans, which include specific goals and progress.  This system has been in place for close to 10 years and provides comprehensive academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support for students by using a data-driven framework with the goal to identify students' needs early and provide increasingly intensive, tiered interventions to ensure every student can achieve their fullest potential.  

Want to learn more our our FHTSS?

Click Here

Resources

Initial Parent Letter - Universal Screening (October 8, 2025)

Understanding New Jersey's New Literacy Legislation - Parent Presentation (October 22, 2025)

Parent FAQs - Coming Soon!

DIBELS 8th Edition Benchmark Goals