Arkansas Foundations of Reading
Arkansas now uses the Foundations of Reading 890
Arkansas switched to the Foundations of Reading 890 through the National Evaluation Series in Arkansas. Same test content as the old 190 — 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 written assignments, 4 hours of testing time. The test code changed, and registration moved to the NES in Arkansas portal.
What is the passing score for the Foundations of reading test in Arkansas?
Arkansas requires a score of 233. The national benchmark is 240, but Arkansas set its own cut score at 233. Scores range from 100 to 300.
Registration has moved
Registration for the Arkansas Foundations of Reading test has moved. To register for the Foundations of Reading (890), visit the National Evaluation Series in Arkansas page — not the standard NES 190 registration. If you need access to testing history or score reports from before September 1, 2025, follow the instructions on the NES site for previous testing history.
Test format
100 multiple-choice questions plus 2 open-response written assignments. 4 hours of testing time. Testing center appointment: 4 hours 15 minutes. Online proctored appointment: 4 hours 30 minutes with a 15-minute break between the MC and written sections. Fee is $139.
Online proctoring is available
You can take the 890 from home with online proctoring. You need a private room, webcam, microphone, and stable internet. The 15-minute break comes between the multiple-choice and written sections. After the break, you cannot return to the multiple-choice questions.
The five subareas
Subarea I — Foundations of Reading Development (35%, objectives 1–4). Phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, spelling, word analysis, fluency. Subarea II — Development of Reading Comprehension (27%, objectives 5–7). Vocabulary, academic language, literary text, informational text. Subarea III — Reading Assessment and Instruction (18%, objectives 8–9). Screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, MTSS/RTI, differentiated instruction. Subarea IV — Foundational Reading Skills (10%, objective 10). One written assignment analyzing student performance in foundational skills. Subarea V — Reading Comprehension (10%, objective 11). One written assignment analyzing student performance in comprehension.
How to prepare
Subarea I is 35% of your score. Start there. Know the difference between phonological awareness and phonemic awareness. Know the six syllable types. Know what systematic explicit instruction looks like. For the two written assignments, use the four-part structure: one strength with evidence, one need with evidence, one named strategy, one explanation of why it works. Use professional terminology — miscue analysis, prosody, scaffolding, gradual release of responsibility.