The University of ChicagoUrban Education Institute UChicago Impact

The STEP™ assessment gives literacy teachers the specific information they need about every single child in their class.
Read more »

The STEP Literacy Assessment® is a developmental literacy assessment, instructional tool, and data management system that defines the pathway and tracks the progress of pre-kindergarten through third grade students as they learn to read using research-based milestones.

STEP™ enables educators to implement a developmental approach to teaching reading, using evidence to inform instruction and introducing targeted interventions based on that evidence.

The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute (UEI) has developed STEP™ over the last decade and has worked with Chicago Public Schools and others in studying its impact. STEP™ is most appropriate for districts and schools that are practicing small-group differentiated instruction and are interested in the use of formative assessment data to inform instructional improvement.

The STEP™ program has three elements:

• The STEP™ Assessment Kit: A toolbox that provides teachers with the materials necessary to administer the assessment. Order STEP Assessment Kits »
• The STEP™ Tool: A powerful data management system for teachers, principals, and districts to visualize student, teacher, and school performance.
• STEP™ Guidance: Ongoing professional development sessions that support and guide users in optimal classroom literacy instruction.

Originally developed to support literacy learning in a small number of public schools, STEP™ has evolved into a powerful assessment tool and performance management strategy that is being used in schools and districts across the country.