How It Works

Headsprout has 180 episodes that gradually progress in difficulty. The Placement Tool assesses reading skills and recommends an appropriate entry point in the sequence of episodes. Any student who is new to Headsprout automatically goes through the Placement Tool online when they first begin the program.

Once the Placement Tool has been completed, the student is directed to the episode where he or she placed and is able to begin using Headsprout right away. In addition to taking the Placement Tool when they first begin the program, students can retake the Placement Tool at any time if the teacher assigns it to them.

To assign the Placement Tool to a student, follow the steps below:

  1. From your Student Management portal, go to either the Roster page, the Assignments page, or the individual student page.
  2. If you are in the Roster or Assignments page, select the Headsprout tab. If you are in the individual student page, go to step 3.
  3. Use the dropdown menu next to the student’s current episode as shown below. Then select the Placement Test Button.

    Placement Tool Screen Shot
  4. The next time the student logs in to Headsprout, he or she automatically receives the Placement Tool. Once the student completes the test, he or she is directed to the appropriate episode and is able to begin that episode right away.

Printable Version - Teachers can choose to use a printable version of the Placement Tool at any point.

To administer the printable Placement Tool:

  1. Print the Placement Tool PDF
  2. Follow the instructions on the Placement Tool: Have the student read the text aloud. Track the number of errors to determine the episode at which the student should be placed.
  3. From your Student Management portal, go to either the Roster page, the Assignments page, or the individual student page.
  4. If you are in the Roster or Assignments page, select the Headsprout tab. If you are in the individual student page, go to step 5.
  5. Use the dropdown menu (next to the student’s current episode) to select the episode number indicated by the Placement Tool.

    Placement Tool Screen Shot

  6. The next time the student logs in to Headsprout, the episode you selected will start automatically.

Note: The purpose of the Placement Tool is to evaluate a student’s reading ability for placement within Headsprout. The Placement Tool does not pinpoint reading difficulties or determine reading levels. The results of the test are valid for placement purposes for approximately 30 days. If the student does not begin the program within 30 days, it is recommended that the Placement Tool be given again.