Sally As a reading specialist I always present reading levels as "estimated." When using a QRI to determine if a child is reading on grade level, I ask the kids to read at least one narrative passage orally, one narrative passage silently and then an expository passage. While this is really too time consuming for an average classroom teacher to do, one could still triangulate date using whatever regular standardized tests AND informal measures you use. I tend to think that if a child is able to read in different modes and genres successfully, then that "estimated" reading level is far more reliable. Another nice option with QRI is that you can measure background knowledge before reading to determine if the topic of the passage is familiar or unfamiliar. That tool can help you with those kiddos who seem to read well only when they are reading about something of high interest. Jennifer In a message dated 3/10/2008 4:11:28 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I have a question that has been bothering me. How many on this list believe there is any such thing as an "accurate" reading level. It is always iffy in my mind. Depends so much on the schema people bring to a reading and the interest and engagement. And in my experience kids read at different levels depending ont hings like genre. So to act as if there is anything like "accurate" is not possible. So administrators who want "levels" every 6 weels have no understanding of what reading really is - right? Just wondering if others believe as I do. In mymind it is not an objective number EVER (except as a particular score on a particular occasion with a particular text and a particular reader)and certainly thinking there would be meaningful change in 6 weeks on such a score is also crazy. Now I know the number crunchers will believe they are getting numbers worth crunching but.....???? It is not that we can't get a broad general level - a place to start. But it would have to be considered along with information on the reader's experience with different kinds of texts, interests and expertise and so on. But one "level" alone also can't stand for reading across topics and genres anyway. Sally **************It's Tax Time! Get tips, forms, and advice on AOL Money & Finance. (http://money.aol.com/tax?NCID=aolprf00030000000001) _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
