Information about state required testing for WSHS students in reading

Dear Parents and Guardians,  

We are writing to share important information about state required assessments for students in reading.  All school districts in Minnesota are required to complete reading assessments to assess students’ reading proficiency and screen students for skill gaps.  

In accordance with the MN Read Act, Winona Area Public Schools will take the following approach to screening requirements for the 2026-2027 school year.

High School Grade 9-12 Reading Assessment Plan

All students in grades 9-12 will take the Capti Read Basix Assessment this fall.

This test helps teachers see which reading skills students are doing well with and which skills they may need more help with. It looks at skills such as:

• Reading and sounding out words
• Understanding words and vocabulary
• Understanding parts of words
• Reading sentences
• Reading smoothly and quickly
• Understanding what they read

Some students may take parts of the Capti Read Basix Assessment again during the winter and spring. This helps teachers see how students are improving and which reading skills they may still need to work on.

Additional Information About Capti Read Basix

• The assessment can show reading patterns that are sometimes seen in students with dyslexia. However, it does not diagnose dyslexia.
• The results do not determine if a student needs Special Education or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Instead, the results help teachers find specific reading strategies that can help students become stronger readers and better learners in all of their classes.

When Will My Student Take These Assessments?

Students in grades 9-12 will take these assessments during WIN time this fall on September 22 and 24. Make-up testing will be held the following week.
You can find the testing schedule on our district Testing and Assessment website.

Reviewing the Data

After the tests, our team will review the results. We will use the results to decide what reading instruction and support students need. We will also share this information with families.
Families may opt their student out of testing. However, schools are required to check for reading skill gaps and track student progress.

Instruction and Support

Using last year’s Capti Read Basix results, WAPS has created a plan to help students in grades 3-12 become stronger readers during the 2026-27 school year.

Students will get extra help with:

• Vocabulary and words they need to know
• Parts of words, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes
• Words with many syllables
• Understanding what they read

Teachers will use these skills in different classes, not just reading classes. This will help students improve specific reading skills and better understand what they read in all of their classes.

Infinite Campus

As the testing dates get closer, your student will be added to an Infinite Campus testing group called “Capti Testing Roster.”

This is not a class or course. It is only a group used to organize students for testing. Students and families do not need to do anything.

We value working with you to help your student grow as a reader. We look forward to using this information to support your student’s learning.

If you have questions, please contact the school office.

Sincerely,
Winona Area Public Schools Literacy Team

School Contacts:  
Winona Area High School: (507) 494-1500