Assessment

*This blog is for last week, and last week's blog is for this week!*

STANDARDIZED TESTS ARE NOT THE ONLY FORM OF ASSESSMENT!
These standardized tests only give a glimpse of a child's ability. There are many other ways to assess a child's ability! A variety of tests is a great way to give teachers a more "comprehensive portrait"(Rubin).

Rubin talks specifically about measuring reading ability beyond standardized testing.
It is important for students to have a level of text that will challenge them, but not enough to cause frustration. This means a level that is a step below a level that students can read independently.

Using multiple assessments is a great and effective way to pinpoint student's strengths and weaknesses in reading.

Here is a short list of optional assessments that each focus on a different element of reading
        -Cloze test
                -Helps with comprehension and vocabulary
        -Informal Reading Inventories
                -Reports reading growth over a school year
        -Running Records
                -Measures reading progress

Using multiple assessments that focus on different elements of learning can help a teacher pinpoint what exact element of reading that a student is struggling with. This makes it easier for the teacher to provide extra help to students.

After giving these assessments, it is important to organize this assessment data. Rubin suggests organizing scores in three reading levels: independent, instructional, and frustration.

Here are two examples of running records that teachers can use to assess reading

This assessment specifically focuses on fluency and comprehension

This assessment focuses on reading behaviors

Things to think about:

1. What are the different ways I can assess reading in my classroom?
2. How can I ensure to look at results from different assessments both individually and as a whole to get a complete picture of student's achievement?