A communication about the Universal Protocol for Accommodations in Reading (uPAR) was recently sent to school leaders through Leadership Connections and Regional Administrators. We want to ensure you’re informed in case you receive questions from districts. If schools reach out with inquiries, please direct them to Sarah Nelson, Director of IT/Special Programs, or Tesha Moser-Zimmerman, Executive Director of Ed Services.
The Iowa Department of Education has procured uPAR for statewide use at no cost to districts, and Central Rivers AEA is offering support services to help districts implement uPAR and maximize its impact.
What is uPAR?
uPAR is a protocol that helps determine whether students comprehend text better through reading visually or listening auditorily. The uPAR can be administered to any or all students (Grades 3 and above) as part of the MTSS process.
What are the benefits of uPAR?
- Presents objective insights: Provides unbiased insights into students’ reading comprehension strengths.
- Saves time: A quick, digital protocol that can be completed with individuals or entire groups in under 30 minutes.
- Promotes universal accessibility: Suitable for all students, including those with learning differences.
- Utilizes a research-based approach: Backed by educational research to ensure accurate and reliable results.
What are the benefits of using the uPAR data?
- Empowers students: Encourages self-awareness and independence in choosing the best reading method.
- Improves student outcomes: Helps match students with the right support, leading to improved comprehension and learning outcomes.
- Informs decision-making: Guides educators in determining who needs accommodations and what type.
- Provides data insights: Provides teachers with actionable data to personalize instruction and accommodations effectively.
How do I learn more about uPAR or get a quick refresher?
- Watch the recording (timestamp 3:46-24:00) from the March 7 Curriculum Directors’ meeting, where MeLissa Lawson discusses uPAR and the DE’s procurement of this tool for all Iowa districts.
- Watch this five-minute Intro to uPAR video.
How does my district get started using uPAR?
Complete the District uPAR Deployment form to sign up for access to uPAR at no cost to your district. What support services does Central Rivers AEA offer to help districts implement uPAR and use its data to the fullest extent? We are offering a comprehensive uPAR Implementation Support Package. See the flyer for package pricing and details.
- Session 1: Introduction to uPAR: An implementation action plan (two-hour virtual session)
- Session 2: Making sense of uPAR results (four-hour in-person session)
- Session 3: Using uPAR data to drive instruction and build an inclusive classroom with assistive technology (four-hour in-person session)
- Session 4: Reflect, plan and sustain: A continuous improvement approach to uPAR implementation (two-hour virtual session)
Webinar series at a glance
- Part 1: Iowa’s Access for ALL (April 23 | 12 pm CT)
- Part 2: Deep dive into uPar (May 7 | 12 pm CT)
- Part 3: Data-based decision making with uPar (May 21 | 12 pm CT)