#114: Assessment Overload? Use These 3 Steps to Make It Count with Dr. Jan Hasbrough
I Was Drowning in Data—But Still Didn’t Know What to Teach
I had piles of running records, phonics screeners, and fluency scores.
But when it came time to plan my small group lessons, I still found myself asking:
“So… what do I actually teach them?”
Sound familiar?
Assessments are supposed to guide instruction—but too often, they just feel like one more thing on our never-ending to-do list.
That’s why this episode with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck hit home.
We don’t need more assessments. We need to use them better.
Why We’re Getting Assessment Wrong in the First Place
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by testing, you’re not alone.
Dr. Hasbrouck explains that the problem isn’t assessment itself—it’s how and when we use it.
“We’ve been misusing assessments for too long. Teachers are required to collect data but aren’t given time or support to use it effectively.”
In other words, plenty of data is there… but it’s not being turned into instruction.
So how do we fix that?
Let’s look at three simple ways to start using assessment to actually inform your reading instruction—without adding more to your plate.
Step 1: Match the Assessment to the Skill You’re Teaching
Not all reading assessments are created equal and not every test tells you what you need to know.
“Assessment needs to be connected to instruction. If you’re teaching phonics, then assess phonics.”
Try this:
- Before phonics instruction: Use a phonics skills checklist or a decoding inventory—something specific—not a broad reading test.
- During fluency practice: Track accuracy, rate, and expression—not just how many words per minute a child can read.
- For comprehension: Use read-aloud retells or structured response questions—not just multiple choice.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself: Does this test tell me what to teach tomorrow? If not, it’s not the right assessment.
Step 2: Assess at the Right Time—Not Just at Benchmark Windows
Waiting for three benchmark windows a year is like waiting for your GPS to catch up after you’ve already taken the wrong exit.
You need ongoing, low-stakes checks to make real-time decisions.
“Assessment doesn’t have to be formal. A quick check every few days tells you what’s working—and what’s not.”
Try this:
- 1-minute fluency checks during small group time
- Exit tickets that ask students to read or spell a target word
- “Show me” moments with whiteboards after phonics lessons
These informal checks give you instant feedback and let you pivot before the next formal test rolls around.
Step 3: Turn Data Into Groupings That Actually Work
Here’s a common trap: grouping students by reading level instead of skill need.
“Level L doesn’t tell you whether a student needs phonemic awareness or decoding help.”
Try this:
Group students based on what the data tells you about specific skills, like:
- Blending phonemes
- Reading digraphs
- Fluency with CVC words
- Retelling a story in sequence
Then build your small group plans around those skills—not their Fountas & Pinnell level that tells us nothing.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- Why more assessments aren’t the answer—and what to do instead
- How to match your assessments to the skills you’re teaching
- A simple routine for ongoing assessment that won’t overwhelm you
- How to group students based on need—not just level
- The mindset shift that helps assessments feel empowering, not exhausting
Bringing It All Together
Using assessment to inform reading instruction doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
In fact, it should do the opposite—make your teaching clearer, more targeted, and more effective.
- Choose the right assessment for the skill.
- Check in often—not just at benchmarks.
- Use that data to drive what you teach next.
Assessment isn’t one more thing. It’s the thing that helps you teach smarter instead of harder.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
Inside The Science of Reading Formula, we’ll show you exactly how to connect assessment to instruction—with templates, tools, and support every step of the way.
If you’re tired of guessing and ready to feel confident using data to drive real reading growth…
👉 Join The Science of Reading Formula
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