Assessing Reading Comprehension

Assessing Reading Comprehension

1. EL students

   • Oral/written performance may hide ability to comprehend text. This is magnified in lower grades.
   • Ask related comprehension questions
   • Have students read silently and provide retelling and/or answer comprehension questions.

2. Emergent Readers

   • Video recall: show a video and have student retell the video using own words
   • Emergent Storybook Reading: have them read one of their old favorite storybooks that a teacher has recently read to them. Have them use their own words to retell the story. You can use picture-governed attempt stages to help determine what stage they are at.

3. Novice Readers

   • Running Records
   • Informal Reading Inventory

4. Models of Reading Assessment

   • The Deficit Model: based on the idea that reading difficulties are similar to physiological disorders; teacher must identify and respond appropriately.
   • The Contextual Model: reading difficulty could be a disconnect between instruction provided and child's learning style OR disadvantaged/troubled home life may impair reading development.