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DIBELS Learning Hub

Browse our training materials, implementation guidance, frequently asked questions, and find a certified trainer near you.

Resource Library

Explore free DIBELS® 8th Edition resources, instructional guides, training videos, and research-based tools designed to support literacy assessment and student reading success.

DIBELS 8th Edition

This document describes various approaches in collecting school-wide DIBELS data.

This video provides additional practice for those who are just starting to administer DIBELS, as well as those who are looking for a refresher in how to administer DIBELS.

This short video gives a basic overview of the difference between criterion referencing and norm referencing and how that relates to benchmark goals and percentiles for DIBELS®.

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about DIBELS® 8th Edition, including assessment administration, scoring, benchmark goals, training, and literacy support resources.

Should the tester or student read the title of the ORF passage?

No. The directions indicate that you direct the students to the first word of the passage. If they do accidentally read the title and hesitate for 3 seconds on a word, then you should supply the correct word. Do not start the timer until they read the first word of the passage.

Can you repeat a word on PSF if a student asks you to?

All efforts should be made to minimize the possibility of a child asking for a word to be repeated (e.g., relatively quiet assessment space, sit close to the child, speak clearly); however, there are times when it does occur and, if so, repeat the word. If it happens occasionally, it is "small stuff." If it happens frequently for a particular child, you might want to check into hearing issues. If it happens frequently for many children, look at the assessment conditions and make necessary adjustments.

Can DIBELS be used with non-native English speakers?

Yes, DIBELS is designed to be administered to all students who are learning to read English. We don't have any specific guidelines for administering DIBELS to students learning to speak and read English. While the measures are standardized and should be given to all students in the same manner, there are a few accommodations that can be made when necessary and are specified in the chapter on Approved Accommodations in the Administration and Scoring Guide available from our Download Materials page.

Certified D8 Systems Trainers

This list does not constitute an endorsement of any of the trainers. Our list is made available solely as a convenience and service to the public.

Amplify

Contact Information: Amplify Website

Online professional development courses and trainer certification.

Lexie Domaradzki

Contact Information: lexiedom@gmail.com

Located in: Port Angeles, WA  (willing to travel)

David Fainstein

Contact Information: dwfainstein@gmail.com

Located in: Vancouver, BC (willing to travel)

Ronda Fritz, Ph.D.

Contact Information: rondafritzconsulting@gmail.com

Located in: North Powder, OR (will travel)

Dave Furjanic, Ph.D., NCSP

Contact Information: dfurjanic@gmail.com

Located in: Austin, TX (willing to travel)

John Gallo, Ph.D.

Contact Information: gallo@gonzaga.edu

Located in: Spokane, WA (will travel regionally)

HILL for Literacy

Contact Information: HILL Website

Professional development and informational webinars.

Gail E. Lovette, Ph.D.

Contact Information: gel2fe@virginia.edu

Located in: Charlottesville, Virginia (will travel)

Julianne S. Masser, Ph.D.

Contact Information: juliannemasser@gmail.com

Located in: Boise, ID (2021-2022); Hanover, NH (2022-2027); (willing to travel)

Sarah McDonagh, Ph.D.

Contact Information: sarah@sarahmcdonaghliteracy.com

Located in: New South Wales, Australia (in person, virtual, willing to travel)

Nancy J. Nelson, PhD, NCSP

Contact Information: njnelson@bu.edu 

Located in: Oregon, Massachusetts

Kaitlyn Roy

Contact Information: kaitlynmroy@gmail.com

Located in: Durango, CO (travel negotiable)

Shelby Skaanes

Contact Information: sjsedconsulting@comcast.net

Located in: Tacoma, Washington (will travel)

Marissa Suhr, Ph.D.

Contact Information: Marissa.l.pilger@gmail.com

Located in: Portland, Oregon (will travel)