Assess reading fluency with two types of assessments. The first type of fluency assessment is a one-minute timed reading of a passage to measure the number and accuracy of words read. There is a fluency passage for each level, F through Z. The second type has a student perform a timed reading of a series of sentences and then answer true/false statements about the sentences to show comprehension. There are three of these assessments, each with more difficult sentences than the preceding one. View our Fluency Standards Table for additional information about recommended reading rates.
You will need:
Administer a one-minute reading, starting the stopwatch when the student begins the first word of the passage (the student will not read titles). Tell the student that if she or he has trouble (struggling for more than 3 to 5 seconds), you will say the word so she or he can keep reading. After one minute, say "Stop," stop the stopwatch, and circle the last word read.
During the reading, resist the urge to correct mistakes. Mistakes and self-correction will be accounted for in the score. If the student has extreme difficulty, stop the test. Reassure the student that she or he will redo the assessment after further reading practice. You should select a lower level passage for the next assessment.
Follow along on your copy word by word with your pencil. Make a slash ( / ) through any words the student misses or cannot read without help. Mark a dash above words skipped. Errors include:
The following are not considered misses:
After about four to six readings, students should reach the target words correct-per-minute (WCPM) standard for their grade level with an Accuracy/Reading Rate of 90 to 95 percent.
Example:
The Reading Sentences forms are used as an additional comprehension check to ensure that students attend to both speed and meaning.
The target score is 80% or more of sentences with a correct true or false answer.
As the Reading Sentences forms are an assessment of the student's comprehension of sentences in a timed reading environment, and the student is required to answer the questions, there is no target words-per-minute standard.
