This product resource outlines three instructional strategies educators can use to reinforce tested literacy skills while maintaining student engagement during testing season.

Rather than focusing on drill-and-kill practice, the resource emphasizes using authentic content, low-stakes formative assessments, and student choice to build the skills that high-stakes assessments measure—without increasing stress or disengagement.

Key Benefits

With this resource, educators can:

• Reinforce tested skills using low-stakes formative assessments
• Engage students with real-world, high-interest texts
• Provide choice and voice to increase motivation
• Build background knowledge and vocabulary through daily content
• Align instruction to tested literacy standards without “teaching to the test”
• Support reading growth with quizzes, guided highlighting, and write prompts

Who Should Use This Guide?

This resource is designed for:

• Classroom teachers
• Instructional coaches
• School administrators
• Educators supporting test readiness and literacy growth