Validating Craft Knowledge : An Empirical Examination of Elementary-Grade Students’ Performance on an Informal Reading Assessment

Research Question: For grades two through six, what are students' average scores (or score ranges) on the following assessments?
1. isolated word recognition (timed and untimed)
2. oral reading accuracy
3. reading comprehension (oral and silent)
4. reading rate (oral and silent)
5. spelling

At any given grade level, which measure (word-recognition-timed, oral reading accuracy, or spelling) is the best predictor of oral reading rate? we hypothesised that recognition-timed and spelling (both indicators of word representation quality) would be the best prdictors of reading rate.

Is there a strong relationship between oral and silent reading rate?  we hypothesised that a strong relationship at each grade, 2 through 6, given that both modes of reading share underlying language process.

Methods: 274 students in 8 elementary schools in western North Carolina: Two cohorts studied for 4 years

• Cohort A: 137 students randomly selected from 2-grade population
• Cohort B: 137 students randomly selected from 3-grade population

Findings: The best predictor of rate was using progression and studying word recognition flash accuracy and spelling in grades 2 through 6. In grades 2 through 5 word flash (score) drives rate. in grade six, automaticity drives rate. Only in grade six does accuracy come in as equal predictor of rate. The strongest predictor of reading rate depends on the grade level. All level off after fourth grade. The biggest jump  is noted between grades 2 and 3.

Implications for Instruction: Students still need to focus on decoding phonics and spelling patterns in the earlier grades to insure higher fluency rates later in elementary school. These can be taught using the word flash, word sorts, and other varying word games combined with spelling studies and word wall activities.