HOW TO: Use Reading Recovery Level 2 or 3 or equivalent. These are VERY simple texts with pictures on each page; perhaps one line per page / lots of repetition. (sample in packet)
"Sam" Test
Try packet sample page or other RR level 2-3 book IF
 student knows:
  • major print concepts
  • word/space concept
  • half of lower ca. abc's
  • some letter-sounds
What to do:
  • discuss pictures
  • read it to student
  • Can student read it?
  • Can stud.identify any words you ask him to find?
Assessment:
TOO HARD:
Go back to print concepts, alphabets, drawing, letter-sounds
Manipulatives / fun

TOO EASY:
Advance to reading 
levels 3 - 7
Proceed with support.
Must experience success.

JUST RIGHT:
Try reading levels 1 & 2
Proceed with support.
Must experience success.

ALL STUDENTS:
Keep reading aloud.
Keep modeling writing.
Have discussions.
Inspire to read and write.

Govt. Support Sites:
PreK Level:
http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/reading_pre.pdf
K-3rd
http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/becomes_read2.html

Checkpoints for Progress Reading & Writing
Birth-12th grade: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/CheckTeachers/
Kindergarten: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/CheckTeachers/4kinder.html
3rd grade: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/CheckTeachers/5third.html
Leveled Books at SFA:
http://www.lexile.com/faq.asp#4