Assessment
Types of Reading Assessments
An effective, comprehensive reading program includes reading assessments for four purposes:
- Screening - Designed as a first step in identifying children who may be at high risk for delayed development or academic failure and in need of further diagnosis of their need for special services or additional reading instruction.
- Diagnostic - Helps teachers plan instruction by providing in-depth information about students' skills and instructional needs.
- Progress Monitoring - Determines through frequent measurement if students are making adequate progress or need more intervention to achieve grade-level reading outcomes.
- Outcome - Provides a bottom-line evaluation of the effectiveness of the reading program in relation to established performance levels.
Screening Assessments
Purpose: To determine children who are likely to require additional instructional support (predictive validity).
When: Early in the academic year or when new students enter school.
Who: All students
Relation to instruction: Most valuable when used to identify children who may need further assessment or additional instructional support.
Diagnostic Assessments
Purpose: To provide specific information on skills and strategy needs of individual students.
When: Following screening or at points during the year when students are not making adequate progress.
Who: Selected students as indicated by screening or progress monitoring measures or teacher judgment.
Relation to Instruction: Provided specific information on target skills; highly relevant.
Progress Monitoring Assessments
Purpose: Frequent, timely measures to determine whether students are learning enough of critical skills.
When: At minimum 3 times per year at critical decision making points.
Who: All students
Relation to Instruction: Indicates students who require additional assessment and intervention.
Outcome Assessments
Purpose: To determine level of proficiency in relation to norm or criterion.
When: Typically administered at end of year. Can be administered pre/post to assess overall growth.
Who: All students
Relation to instruction: Provides index of overall efficacy but limited timely instructional information.