PALS-PreK stands for Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening for Preschool.

Why is my child being assessed with PALS-PreK?

PALS-PreK is an early literacy assessment designed to provide information to teachers about what students know and need to know about early literacy fundamental skills. PALS-PreK is designed to be administered to PreK students at all stages of development.

What does PALS-PreK measure?

• Name Writing
• Alphabet Knowledge
• Beginning Sound Awareness
• Print and Word Awareness
• Rhyme Awareness
• Nursery Rhyme Awareness

What types of scores does PALS-PreK provide?

PALS-PreK provides scores for each of the skill areas assessed. The scores are compared to a benchmark range, which reflects expectations for the spring of the PreK school year, the spring prior to entering kindergarten. While PALS-PreK tasks are appropriate to use with three-and four-year-old students, the scoring ranges apply only to the spring of the four-year-old year.

How are the PALS-PreK results used?

PALS-PreK results inform teachers’ planning of literacy instruction and activities in the classroom. Results help teachers determine particular reading skill areas that need additional attention in the classroom, to ensure students are receiving instruction in all of the important early literacy fundamentals.