Addresses problems in the interpretation of standardized reading test scores. Focuses on reading age (or reading grade) and demonstrates that converting test scores to a scale of reading ages is essentially meaningless and potentially dangerous. (AEA)

Provides a critical and comparative analysis of the major commercially produced informal reading inventories. Offers recommendations for those who are considering purchasing or using one of the inventories. (FL)

Proposes a new measure of individual differences in reading comprehension ability. Components of the task predict performance on a test of global reading comprehension and on a range of specific comprehension tests. Asserts that the task is better at predicting reading comprehension than is a typical working memory span task. (Contains 76…

This paper discusses a Standard & Poor's analysis of state performance on the 2005 and 2003 NAEP reading and mathematics tests that took account of the demographic differences among the states. The study was presented at the NAEP State Service Center Winter Workshop in January, 2006. Standard & Poor's is commended for recognizing that NAEP…

Assessment of second language reading comprehension has evolved from a relatively narrow conceptualization of reading as a process of mastering hierarchically ordered subskills, with the author as primary creator of meaning, to reading as an interaction among reader, author, and text. Reading assessment has several purposes: sorting students;…

A review of the Decoding Skills Test, used to identify first- through fifth-graders with developmental dyslexia and to provide a profile of decoding skills for researchers of dyslexia, concludes that the test is useful for examining decoding competencies and evaluating the skill deficiencies of students known to have difficulty reading. (CB)

Argues that second-language reading comprehension and its assessment can be usefully divided into two aspects: (1) comprehensions (different levels of comprehension the reader adopts to suit different purposes of reading); and (2) interpretations (different readings of the same text resulting from different background knowledge or preoccupations…

The inclusion of "purpose questions" before passages in reading comprehension tests is evaluated in light of recent research related to schema theory and adjunct questions. While research supports the use of purpose questions, gaps and weaknesses in the available data exist. Suggestions for further study are provided. (Author/LMO)

Promulgates definitions of instructional maze and cloze procedures, clarifies the basic facets of the techniques, and discusses both the instructional and diagnostic functions of each. (FL)

Discusses the proper interpretation of the three scores commonly reported from norm-referenced standardized reading tests: grade equivalency, percentile, and stanine scores. (FL)

Reviews information about three major dimensions along which phonics measures vary: (1) group v individual administration, (2) production response (say or write) v recognition response, and (3) the stimuli or materials used to evaluate phonics. (HOD)

Offers evaluation methods based on criteria that relate directly to instructional techniques appropriate for adult learners, benefit both teacher and student, and preserve the integrity of the mature student. (Author/FL)

Describes the way foreign languages have been taught in the Netherlands, the way reading comprehension in a foreign language is tested there, and educational objectives that should be taken into consideration in teaching foreign languages. (GT)

This paper stresses the importance of developing phonological awareness to foster reading skills in hearing and deaf learners. It reviews the research on stages in acquisition of phonological awareness and phonological awareness and deafness. Suggestions for phonological assessment of deaf students include use of formal and informal phonological…

A review of public demand for accountability uncovers three types of educational assessment problems: demand for valid reading measures, need for a broader range of assessments, and value of assessments for various audiences. Integration of the various types of assessments is recommended. (SK)