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Who needs to take the Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)?

Students wishing to gain licensure in the following areas are required to take this test:

Notes

Test Information

Passing Score Information

  • Benchmark Passing Score: Applicants who apply for Wisconsin Licensure on or after Sept. 1, 2014, are required to earn a passing score of 240 for test version #090. For test version #190, a score of 233 or higher is required. Only test #190 is now being offered.

How much will it cost?

Test fee – $139

Registration

We recommend registering 6-8 weeks prior to taking the test as there are a very limited number of approved sites in Wisconsin.

Why will I be required to take another test?

According to Wisconsin State Statute ACT 166:
Section 21.118.19(14)(a) any person applying for a teacher license “…to teach in grades kindergarten to 5 or in special education, an initial license as a reading teacher, or an initial license as a reading specialist…” are required to take and pass a Foundations of Reading Test.

When do I have to have passing scores on this test?

The School of Education at UW-Stevens Point requires a passing score on the Foundations of Reading Test in order to be fully licensed to teach. A passing score is not required in order to student teach or graduate.

80% of the test is made up of 100 multiple choice questions broken apart into sub-areas. There are two open response (essay) questions that are worth 20% of the total score.

In the summer of 2020, the Wisconsin State Legislature and Governor approved students seeking licensure in special education to either take and pass the Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) or to successfully complete an alternative to the FoRT. The following information describes the two options; please take the time to read through it fully. These two options apply for students solely seeking special education licensure, those seeking a double major in elementary education with special education and will be license first in special education and then in elementary education or are in the accelerated (CWIC) program.

Option 1 – FoRT – The candidate demonstrates proficiency to teach reading by taking and passing the Foundation of Reading Test. Take and pass the Foundations of Reading Test #090 (no longer offered- score still acceptable) with a score of 240 or higher or Test #190 with a score of 233 or higher. Information about the FoRT, including resources for how to prepare, can be found here.

Option 2 – Alternative Pathway -The candidate demonstrates proficiency to teach reading by completing three components listed below: 

1. Complete one of the following “course of study” with a grade of C- or better in each class

  • Course of Study 1: EDUC 302 & EDUC 309
  • Course of Study 2: EDUC 718 & EDUC 715
  • Course of Study 3: EDUC 718 & EDUC 747
AND

2. Participate in coaching sessions with a reading specialist or another person that meets the DPI definition of “expert in teaching reading.” If you currently work for a school district, we suggest you collaborate with a reading specialist (license #17/5017) employed by your school district. If you do not not have access to a reading specialist, you may work with a UWSP faculty member. You may contact Prof. Jacquelyn Sernau to schedule coaching sessions.*

*If you complete all of your Course of Study 1, 2, or 3 during Fall 2020 semester or after, this component is embedded in your courses.  You must work with the instructors of your course of study to document and receive verification of your participation in coaching.  If you completed part or all of your Course of Study 1, 2, or 3 prior to the Fall 2020 semester, please review the materials below to learn more about how to complete this component.
AND
3. Create an electronic portfolio containing specific lesson plans, artifacts, and reflections.
Additional details about each of these three components required for the Option 2 – Alternative Pathway can be found here:
If you have questions about this requirement, please contact Jacquelyn Sernau or Maggie Beeber or call the SOE Academic and Career Advising office at 715-346-2040.

There is a very similar structure in that 80% of the test is made up of 100 multiple choice questions broken apart into subareas.  Then there are 2 open response (essays) questions that are worth 20% of the score.

There is a significant shift in the focus of instructional strategies on the FoRT 190. Knowing Foundational Reading Knowledge is essential. An in-depth study into phonics is highly suggested. There are several books that your instructors can recommend. The content that is covered in EDUC 302 and EDUC 309 is also extremely important. These courses will set you up with the foundational knowledge you need, but they cannot teach you everything! Studying material outside of class is critical for passing this test.

Tutoring

We are currently recruiting participants for our “Professional FoRT Tutoring.” Students will meet with a licensed teacher/Reading Specialist who will guide small groups through questions from the FoRT practice tests. The content of the tutoring sessions will focus on the ability to determine correct and incorrect answers on sample test questions. The goal of the sessions is to support participants in being able to provide rationale for why a particular answer is correct, while the others are incorrect. Each group will meet for 10, 1-hour sessions.

We are incredibly excited to have the knowledge-base of a licensed reading specialist to support you in your preparation for the FoRT.

FoRT tutoring will be offered again this fall. No matter what stage you are in, now is a great time to study for the FoRT.

The tutoring is seven weeks, for a total of 14 sessions:

  • Every Monday and Wednesday from Sept. 11-Oct. 25 from 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Every Monday and Wednesday (except Thanksgiving week) from Oct. 30-Dec. 20 from 6:30-8 p.m.

All sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. Participants will receive the Zoom link 1-3 days prior to the first tutoring session.

Sign up for fall tutoring

Resources

The following list of resources will help you prepare for the new Foundations of Reading Test- FoRT 190. Please take time to explore each of these.

Practice Tests