Frequently Asked Questions
Signatures Reading Mastery Program
by Bret Schroder
December 17, 2008
How many lessons are in each level of the reading
program?
Signature K- 160 Lessons
Signature 1- 160 Lessons
Signature 2- 150 Lessons
Signature 3- 140 Lessons
Signature 4- 120 Lessons
Signature 5- 120 Lessons
How long does it take to do a lesson?
In Signature K and 1, a reading lesson takes 30-40 minutes.
In Signature 2-5, a reading lesson takes 90 minutes.
How was my child placed in his/her level?
Each child was assessed using tests from the reading program.
Students took anywhere from 2-8 tests, depending on their
performance. In addition, other test scores were taken into
consideration, such as the achievement tests and DIBELS scores.
Teacher input was also gathered.
How is a decision made to move a student between
groups?
Teachers, administrators, and other reading experts look at the
student data every week for all students in the Reading Mastery
program. Very high scores or low scores over a period of time
indicate that a change in level may be appropriate for a child.
Usually, further testing is done. Students who receive scores in
the low-to-mid 90’s on their daily work and tests are considered to
be placed correctly, and are achieving the expected success at
their level.
Why does the program have special print in Signature
Kindergarten and Signature 1?
The special print makes learning to read easier. Students are able
to handle more difficult words sooner.
When does the special print go away?
Most special print goes away by Signature 1 Lesson 82. By Lesson 92
of Signature 2, all print is regular.
Do students have trouble reading when the special print goes
away?
We have not seen that any do.
Why do the students learn the sounds of the letters before
they learn the names of the letters?
Children need to know the sounds of letters in order to read. They
need to know the names of letters in order to spell. The spelling
program begins in Signature K at Lesson 51.
If my child is placed in Fast Cycle, what does that
mean?
Your child will be skipping lessons in the program. Fast cycle
provides reading instruction with fewer repetitions.
Why don’t I see very much homework coming home with my
child?
This program does not generate homework because students do their
independent work with teacher guidance. Most of the students’
independent work is kept at school for long-term monitoring. If
your child is in second through fifth grade, you can view the
grades for independent work on Infinite Campus.
What can I expect my child to bring home from the reading
program?
Students in Signature Kindergarten and 1 do approximately two
worksheets per day, and those are sent home. Almost all work stays
at school in Signature 2-5.
What can I do at home to help my child be a better
reader?
• Read books that both of you enjoy.
• Let your child read to you.
• Parents who are interested in learning more about doing fluency
reads with your child can contact one of the following people:
Literacy coach- Janet Bohaty 826-5822
Principal- Bret Schroder 826-5822
Director of Instruction- Valorie Foy 826-5855
