# Common Core Language Screener — Early Language

> Early language screening tool for pre-K, kindergarten, and first-grade children. (iPhone/iPad app by Smarty Ears.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-core-language-screener/id541400223 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Smarty Ears](https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167)
- Category: Education, Medical
- Price: $24.99
- Rating: 1.50/5 from 2 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 35 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2012-08-09
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-core-language-screener/id541400223/reviews.md

## What is Common Core Language Screener?

The Common Core Early Language Screener (CCELS) is a screening tool used to identify weaknesses in early language skills. The CCELS was designed to be used with pre-Kindergarten, kindergarten and first grade aged children as it was based on the common core expectations for each grade; however, the screener can be used for other groups if needed. 

The Common Core Early Language Screener can be used to:
1. Screen a child’s early language skills 
2. Provide additional data for standardized language tests
3. Determine strengths and weaknesses in language development
4. Measure progress of child
5. Provide data for Response to Intervention techniques
6. Screen language skills to determine if additional testing is needed

The Common Core Early Language Screener has features, such as:
1. Ability to watch a video tutorial of how to effectively use the app
2. School and evaluator information only has to be entered one time, then it is automatically added to each new screening and report
3. Ability to enter a student’s name and track progress over time
4. Review past screenings 
5. Generate report analyzing performance in each subtest
6. Ability to print evaluator form and/or child form

Skills assessed:
1. Answering basic personal question,
2. Identifying actions
3. Labeling pictures
4. Color Identification
5. Shape identification
6.  Counting
7. Number identification
8. Alphabet identification
9. Alphabet labeling
10. Blending syllables & phonemes
11. Phonemes segmentation
12. Word recognition
13. Identification of capitalizations and punctuations
14. Rhyming
15. Pronouns identification
16. Prepositions
17.  Categories
18. Comparative vocabulary
19. Pattern identification
20. Repetition of phrases and numbers
21. Following directions
22. Answering questions about short stories
23. Expressive speech and language skills

## Key features

- Screen early language skills
- Track student progress over time
- Generate performance reports
- Video tutorial for app usage
- Printable evaluator and child forms
- Assess a wide range of language skills

## Recent user reviews (10 of 11)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/common-core-language-screener/id541400223/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Has potential

*2023-10-01*

This app has potential but it’s just missing the mark. I wish it included more early language skills and more visual choices. I’d like to see some of the Kinder skills addressed moved into the pre-k screener. I also think the report could be slightly better. It lists our mastered skills at the end, but I wish it also listed area for growth. For the price, the app should just overall be more polished than it is. I think it can really be a great app with some reworking of the material covered and the way it is presented.

### 1/5 — Too expensive for what it offers

*2014-11-09*

I am not happy with this app. For $24.99, I think it's should be able to do a lot more. For example, I would like to be able to pick what I screen my students on, but in this app, the full screen is set up and I have not found a way to adapt it (add or take away from what it tests).

### 2/5 — Needs more language

*2013-05-12, version 1.2*

I was hoping for more language items overall and less literacy items (such as in the CELF 4 Screener) because I would a screener to determine if a formal language evaluation was needed. (Alphabet, counting, etc...would be more academic and is already covered by beginning of the year classroom teacher testing). I would be looking for more language information when screening.
More items per area would be useful too (possibly 10). Also there is no criterion score comparison to determine how a student did overall when compared to others his/her age.

### 1/5 — Terrible!  I feel cheated!

*2012-11-10, version 1.1*

This was cumbersome to use and was essentially a paper and pencil assessment with some iPad pictures thrown in. I purchased this with my own money to assist with K screenings. What a waste of money!  It gives very little information related to speech and language. Are you listening Smarty Ears? Please do the right thing and either fix this terrible app or refund our money!

### 1/5 — Not worth it

*2012-10-02, version 1.0*

This app was definitely not what I expected for the price.  Not worth the money

### 3/5 — A good start

*2012-09-12*

The current version of the Common Core Early Language Screener is a good start to what could be a very good app. Upon first usage, I noted a couple shortcomings. First, in the Following Directions test, there is a mistake with the response numbering. You can chose from 1,2,3 or 2 correct responses. The last '2' should obviously be a '4.' Second, there is no in-app testing stimuli included for the Patterning substest. Instead, the user is required to come up with his or her own manipulatives or paper and pencil in order to adminster this section. This is unfortunate. The screening should be able to be completed independent of other testing materials. It would be quite simple to include the patterning tasks within the app. Finally, the reporting simply includes the number of correct responses, but does not compare to Common Core Standards. Do the Common Core Standards state that Early K must have all responses correct to pass the screener? What exactly consitutes a pass/fail and why aren't there more details about Common Core Standards? For $30, version 1.0 is over-priced. With a few updates and some easy additions, the app has the potential to be worth the price.

### 1/5 — Disappointed

*2012-09-09, version 1.0*

For a company that puts out materials for SLPs this app ignores most of the speaking/listening/language goals from the Common Core standards.  The academic materials for reading and writing are fine but not where my work is focussed.  The beginnings are alright, but this needs a lot of revision before it will be on my regular used apps.  I should have read the reviews first but I've always liked the Smarty Ears products.

### 1/5 — Doesn't make use of the power of an IPad

*2012-09-09, version 1.0*

This was not worth the money.  It is like putting a paper based screener on the IPad.  I had to write the students responses for my notes.  The students quickly figured out that the IPad was not responding to them.  They didn't even bother to touch the pictures. Why not have the IPad ask them the questions (with a repeat button as needed, for those who need repetition to focus).  The kids would love responding with a recorded answer.  Why not use the IPad's ability to record responses.  Maybe even an occasional animation (for action words perhaps?). And a click sound and occasional encouragement for completing tasks.  Lastly, while this does give a basic overview of student performance,  there is no depth to any of the tasks.  Direction tasks should include more than a simple 2 step action command (touch your head and clap your hands).  As an SLP this gives me little to go on.  Lastly, it would've been helpful to address a wider age level.  I love many of my Smarty Ears apps! But I feel cheated on this one.

### 1/5 — Common Core Screener

*2012-09-05, version 1.0*

So disappointed.
For 35.00, it does not take away the pencil and paper--and I thought it would report specifically what the child misses so I can support them, not just the raw number of the report.
As you assess children, you have to go through the pages/slides on your iPad, remember what the children selected or use the printed paper pencil version.  I wish you could just touched the correct selections from the response of the child and then it provide you with a report.  
I wish I could have a refund.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2012-09-01, version 1.0*

I just downloaded this app.  I have the Sunny Artic one and I am so happy to see now I have an language screener for my little ones.  Have already used it and tried it.  Great app.

## Frequently asked questions about Common Core Language Screener

### What age group is the Common Core Language Screener designed for?

The Common Core Language Screener was primarily designed for pre-Kindergarten, kindergarten, and first-grade aged children. However, it can be used for other groups if needed, based on the common core expectations for each grade.

### What specific language skills does the Common Core Language Screener assess?

It assesses a broad range of skills including answering personal questions, identifying actions and objects, color and shape identification, counting, number and alphabet identification, phoneme segmentation, word recognition, capitalization and punctuation, rhyming, pronoun and preposition identification, categories, comparative vocabulary, pattern identification, phrase and number repetition, following directions, answering story questions, and expressive speech.

### Can I track a child's progress over time with the Common Core Language Screener?

Yes, you can enter a student's name and track their progress over time. The app allows you to review past screenings and generate reports analyzing performance in each subtest, providing valuable data for monitoring development.

### What devices does the Common Core Language Screener support?

Based on the provided data, the Common Core Language Screener currently supports iPads. Information on other device compatibility is not available.

### How often is the Common Core Language Screener updated?

The latest version of the Common Core Language Screener is 4.0, which was last updated on November 27, 2018. This indicates it has not been updated recently.

### What is the cost of the Common Core Language Screener?

The Common Core Language Screener is a paid application, priced at $24.99. There are no in-app purchases or subscription options mentioned.

### Does the Common Core Language Screener have ads?

No, the Common Core Language Screener does not contain advertisements. The app is ad-free, allowing for an uninterrupted user experience.

### What is the user sentiment for the Common Core Language Screener?

The app has a rating of 1.5 stars from 2 ratings, suggesting a generally negative user sentiment. Specific reasons for this rating are not detailed in the provided data.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.0 — 2018-11-27

We have update the app for iOS 12. Enjoy! Thank you all for the great feedbacks we have received.

### 3.1 — 2018-03-11

iOS 11 Update

### 3.0 — 2017-05-16

Various updates

### 2.0 — 2014-08-13

We have added first grade screener!

### 1.2 — 2013-02-20

- Fixes small bugs
- Now you can export the data from this app to the Therapy Report Center!

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All apps by Smarty Ears: https://appshunter.io/developer/348779167

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*