Reading Specialist, Part 18
Question 1: Define the Wide-Range Achievement Test.
Answer 1: The Wide-Range Achievement Test is one of a number of standardized achievement assessments to determine a child's cognitive ability. It is designed for individuals ages 5-75. It contains scoring for reading, spelling, and math. It provides up to 30 minutes for each of the three forms. The test uses a single-level format as well as alternative forms. These alternative forms may be used individually or with one another in order to provide a more qualitative assessment of academic skills. The reading subtest includes letter naming and word pronunciation out of context. The spelling subtest asks the student to write his or her own name, and then write words as they are directed. The mathematical portion includes counting, reading problems, number symbols, and written computation.
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Question 2: Discuss using an informal reading inventory for assessing student reading.
Answer 2: The informal reading inventory is an individually administered survey that is designed to help determine a student's needs in reading. The student's performance on the informal reading inventory will help to determine the instructional level and the amount and type of support the student is likely to need. Specifically, using the informal reading inventory will help teachers assess a student's strengths and needs in the areas of word recognition, word meaning, reading strategies, and comprehension. While an informal reading inventory is a suitable tool for determining a student's reading ability and needs, it is not infallible. An educator should use information from the inventory along with other tests and information to make decisions about instructional plans.
Question 3: Provide typical materials and steps one would need for a student reading inventory.
Answer 3: To administer a student reading inventory certain materials would be needed such as a stop watch to time the student, a copy of all readings for both the student and the teacher, and comprehension questions for scoring purposes. Steps to be taken when administering the inventory include:1) Explain to students that this is not a test. Tell them that this inventory is really to tell how the teacher can teach them better.2) Set the timer.3) Begin the timer as the student reads the first excerpt aloud.4) Score errors on the teacher's copy.5) Stop the timer when the student stops and record the total time. 6) Give the comprehension questions and record the answers.
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