uPar Educator Implementation Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the uPar Educator Implementation Guide. The guide does not need to be completed in a single session; you are welcome to pause and return at any time to fit your schedule and learning needs. Educators who actively engage with the practice opportunities, interactive activities, and reflection prompts will gain the greatest benefit from the experience.

What is uPar? 

It's a screening tool that identifies the right reading accommodations.

uPar is a universal reading screener that provides educators with data on the effectiveness and benefit of text-to-speech software for reading comprehension. Use uPar to screen for reading challenges and identify where a read-aloud accommodation would help students access grade-level text.

Over 50% of students who are reading below grade level can access grade-level text independently with a reading accommodation. uPar identifies these students through an online protocol process - showing their path to understanding text through listening, also known as ear reading. The effect? Students gain access to grade-level text for real inclusion outcomes.

The right support, proven by data

• Build independence. uPar helps students develop self-reliance in accessing and understanding academic content.
• Support data-driven IEP decisions. Protocol data provides concrete evidence to guide discussion and decisions during IEP meetings, helping teams make informed choices that are tailored to each student's unique needs.
• Evaluate accommodations. Screening determines the effectiveness of accommodations for individual students, ensuring that resource allocations and modifications are both meaningful and result in improved academic outcomes.
• Ensure equity and compliance. Data provides insights to ensure all students receive the appropriate support, promoting equal access to educational opportunities and maintaining compliance with educational standards and regulations.