Embedded Files
The KSDE TTS page is now a subpage in Forms/Processes. Click the dropdown button to view.
ℹ️ UPAR Updates for 2025-26
ℹ️ UPAR Updates for 2025-26
Updated toolbar and simplified interface: Play, Stop, Pause, and Settings functions are now in the SpeechStream toolbar at the top of the page.
Customization options: Students can now change the color of text highlights.
Enhanced playback control: Students can highlight words or sentences for repeat playback.
New, improved voices: 2 new AI voices and 4 more traditional TTS voices.
No more human reader: simplifies the accommodation consideration process.
Faster! The UPAR administration time is approximately 20 minutes (and 10 minutes for a recheck).
More information is available on the UPAR website.
Who Should Take the UPAR?
Who Should Take the UPAR?
Students in grades 3+ who have an IEP in resource and Behavior B programs are expected to take the UPAR if any reading concerns are present (goals and/or accommodations). It is a district expectation to give the UPAR before fall parent-teacher conferences (9/19/25); a brief Recheck should be administered within 30 days of the annual IEP date for meetings scheduled in the 2nd semester.
The uPAR is optional for 2nd grade, but it is recommended when the team anticipates a student will need a read aloud accommodation for 3rd grade.
Students who have a 504 plan with reading accommodations should take the UPAR before completing an AT referral. In addition, the student should retake the UPAR prior to the 504 review meeting when the team considers whether AT continues to be needed for reading.
The UPAR is a KSDE requirement when applying for the ELA TTS Nonvisual application. Please see the KSDE website or the KSDE TTS section of this site.
Any student can take the UPAR at any time! Some of our district buildings give the UPAR to entire grade levels.
New to uPAR? Start Here!
New to uPAR? Start Here!
Watch the Intro Video
Updated July 2025
UPAR Quick Start.docxDownload the QuickStart
Information for logging in, adding students to your classroom, and proctoring the uPAR.
Prepare to Give the uPAR
To access the script and student video referenced in this video, please see the QuickStart guide.
More Start-Up Resources (Most are 3 Minutes or Less!)
More Start-Up Resources (Most are 3 Minutes or Less!)
What Students See on uPAR
To add students to your list, see the QuickStart document above.
The Report Dashboard
To add students to your list, see the QuickStart document above.
View Individual Student Reports
To add students to your list, see the QuickStart document above.
What's Next?
Steps to complete after the uPar protocol. Please see page 37 of the Teacher's Guide for the form referenced in the video.
Quick Checks and Do Overs
How and when to use them
Copy of uPar Teacher Guide - July 2025 - Kami Converted.pdfuPAR Teacher's Guide
An annotated, complete reference guide!
Data Analysis & PLAAFP Examples
Data Analysis & PLAAFP Examples
Analyze A Student Report
Analyze A Student Report
Reading a report isn't just a matter of looking at the recommendation at the top. This brief guide will help you think critically about the results.
UPAR PLAAFP Examples
UPAR PLAAFP Examples
*Note: You may need to request access for first time use*
Data Analysis by Caseload
Data Analysis by Caseload
Confused about how to interpret the color-coding in your class/caseload results? This cheat sheet will help!
UPAR Data PD slides 10/21/24
UPAR Data PD slides 10/21/24
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