Short A Checkpoint Sheet
UFLI Foundations Lesson 35
Score:
/ 18
Short a Checkpoint /ă/
Word Reading (Decoding) & Sentence Dictation (Encoding)
Name:
Date:
1
Word Reading Check
Read each word aloud to your teacher. Point to each sound and blend.
1
cat
✓
2
map
✓
3
ran
✓
4
tag
✓
5
bad
✓
6
wax
✓
7
ham
✓
8
zap
✓
9
fan
✓
10
tap
✓
2
Sentence Dictation
Listen, count words, and write with neat handwriting.
Aa
.
Pencil Check:
Capital Letter Finger Spaces Short a /ă/ End Mark (.)
Short A Scoring Guide
Teacher Guide UFLI Lesson 35
Target: Short a /ă/ • Reading (10 pts) + Dictation (8 pts) = 18 pts
Short a Checkpoint Scoring & Diagnostic Sheet
Oral reading fluency tracker, sentence dictation rubric, and diagnostic error analysis.
Student: _________________ Date: ________
Administration Protocol:
Part 1 (Word Reading): Say: "Look at these words. Point to each word and read it aloud. You may tap the dots if needed." Code: A (automatic <3s), S (blended), E (error).
Part 2 (Sentence Dictation): Say: "The fat cat sat on a mat." Repeat sentence, tap/count 7 words together, then have student write and complete pencil check.
1 Part 1: Word Reading Check Tracker (10 Points)
Coding: A = Auto • S = Blended • E = Error • Score 1 pt per correct word
| # | Word | Phonemes | Strategy | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | cat | /k//ă//t/ | A S E | |
| 2 | map | /m//ă//p/ | A S E | |
| 3 | ran | /r//ă//n/ | A S E | |
| 4 | tag | /t//ă//g/ | A S E | |
| 5 | bad | /b//ă//d/ | A S E | |
| # | Word | Phonemes | Strategy | Pts |
|---|
| 6 | wax | /w//ă//ks/ | A S E | |
| 7 | ham | /h//ă//m/ | A S E | |
| 8 | zap | /z//ă//p/ | A S E | |
| 9 | fan | /f//ă//n/ | A S E | |
| 10 | tap | /t//ă//p/ | A S E | |
2 Part 2: Sentence Dictation Rubric (8 Points)
Target: "The fat cat sat on a mat."
Capital Letter / 1 pt
Uppercase 'T' in "The".
Short a CVCs / 4 pts
fat (1), cat (1), sat (1), mat (1).
Sight & Short o / 2 pts
The (1), on + a (1).
Punctuation / 1 pt
Correct end period '.'.
Diagnostic Observations
- Vowel Substitution: Reading /ŏ/ or /ĕ/ for /ă/. Use tactile chin-drop cue.
- Slow Blending (S): Accurate but non-automatic. Practice continuous blending.
- b / d Reversal: Reading/writing bad as dad. Re-anchor handwriting strokes.
Mastery Tiers & Next Steps
16–18 pts (90–100%) Benchmark • Ready for Lesson 36
13–15 pts (70–85%) Strategic • Blending board review
< 13 pts (< 70%) Intensive • Re-teach short a with sound dots
Part 1 Reading: ____ / 10
Part 2 Dictation: ____ / 8
Total Score: ____ / 18
Decision: Benchmark Strategic Intensive
