The school year has barely started, and your schedule is already bursting at the seams. But before diving too far in, there’s one powerful tool that can save you time and set your students up for success all year long: the Screener of Handwriting Proficiency.
Think of it as your baseline compass. In just minutes, you’ll discover where your students are thriving—and where critical gaps in handwriting and literacy may be hiding. From letter memory and reversals to sentence structure and spacing, this quick check gives you the insight you need to make every handwriting lesson count.
Why does this matter? Research shows that poor handwriting skills don’t just affect neatness on the page. They often prevent students from fully engaging with academic content. When children are stuck focusing on how to form letters, they struggle to focus on what they’re learning. Common challenges—like reversals, inconsistent letter placement, or oversized writing—can quietly derail comprehension and confidence.
The Screener is free, quick, and easy to administer—a whole-class assessment you can complete in just 10–15 minutes. Score online and instantly receive both individual and class reports that highlight strengths and pinpoint where remediation is needed.
What the Screener Measures
Handwriting is made up of several key components. With the Screener, you’ll evaluate:
- Memory – Recall and write dictated letters/numbers
- Orientation (Print only) – Ensure letters/numbers face the correct direction
- Placement – Align letters/numbers properly on the line
- Sentences – (Print only) Beginning and ending punctuation and word spacing
- Connections (Cursive only) – Connect letters accurately
Other important skills—such as letter formation, speed, posture, grip, and size—are captured on the Concerns Checklist, giving you a well-rounded picture of each student’s handwriting abilities.
How It Works
Getting started is simple:
- Administer – Access the Grade Level Administration Packet. Download, print, and make copies of the Student Sheet. Assess all students following grade-specific directions.
- Enroll Students Online –Everything you need to administer, enroll students, Score, and review reports is found in our screener portal: lwtears.com/screener. Create classes and add students into your Screener account.
- Score – Use the step-by-step Online Scoring Tool to quickly enter responses. Refer to the Answer Key, which is the Student Sheet with answers. Select class. Locate the student to score and select the “+” in the appropriate testing period column. Input scores and concerns by clicking through the scoring screens.
- Review Reports – Access individual, whole-class, and grade-level data to track growth.
- Instruct & Remediate – Use the insights to plan targeted instruction and support.
Why It Matters
The Screener provides more than just data—it gives you clarity and direction. By identifying student needs early, you’ll be able to provide intentional instruction and ensure that handwriting never becomes a barrier to learning.
Want to see it in action? watch this free webinar Screening for Success, to learn why every K–5 classroom benefits from handwriting assessments—and how the Screener can transform your instruction.