Literacy Quest

For approximately 20% of the general population, struggling in school can be linked to a language-based learning difference, such as dyslexia. However, early diagnosis of dyslexia is often limited to students whose families know how to advocate for screening and/or have the financial means to afford diagnostic evaluations. Access to screening is an equity issue. 

In 2023, Hamlin Robinson School received a community grant from Pitch Your Peers (Seattle). This grant supports our efforts, beginning in September 2024, to offer FREE literacy screening services to King County students in grades 2-5* through the HRS Learning Center. The screening used – STAR Early Literacy Screening – is available in English and Spanish and offers national normative information. Because STAR is accepted by the state of Washington as an official screening tool, results are actionable in the public education system. Hamlin Robinson School has utilized STAR Assessments for many years, and screening administrators are trained in reporting and offering guidance to families. 

This initiative is a proactive response to the critical need for early identification of students with language-based learning differences, beyond the state required screening for K-2 students in Washington public schools. By offering these screenings, along with an actionable report to parents/guardians, students are more likely to receive timely intervention, learning support, and accommodations. 

* If your student is outside this age range, do not hesitate to submit an inquiry form! Families with younger or older students are encouraged to reach out for support options tailored to their needs.

Register Here

For approximately 20% of the general population, struggling in school can be linked to a language-based learning difference, such as dyslexia. However, early diagnosis of dyslexia is often limited to students whose families know how to advocate for screening and/or have the financial means to afford diagnostic evaluations. Access to screening is an equity issue.  

In 2023, Hamlin Robinson School received a community grant from Pitch Your Peers (Seattle). This grant supports our efforts, beginning in September 2024, to offer FREE literacy screening services to King County students in grades 2-5 through the HRS Learning Center. Hamlin Robinson School utilizes Renaissance’s STAR Assessments to evaluate foundational literacy skills across various grade levels, ensuring personalized and effective instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Our extensive experience with these assessments enables us to provide families with detailed insights into their child's progress and areas for growth. 

Through the PYP grant, HRS also has the resources to share its expertise with other educators through free or low-cost training workshops. Upcoming workshops will equip educators with information and practical skills for identifying struggling students through the STAR Early Literacy Screening used at many public elementary schools and having a toolkit to support them.  

Workshops will offer participating educators the chance to: 

• Explore the characteristics and myths of dyslexia 

• Learn more about screening assessment tools and methodologies 

• Develop strategies for administrating and interpreting literacy screening assessments 

• Build strategies for developing support and follow-up plans for students after screening 

• Explore effective instructional techniques tailored for learners with dyslexia 

• Create a more inclusive classroom environment 

• Contextualize engagement with parents and caregivers as they support students’ learning journeys