Indicates that middle school teachers do not make accurate subjective judgments of the reading levels of their students and tend to overrate poor readers while underrating good readers. Suggests that the Individual Reading Placement Inventory (IRPI), a newly developed standardized test, gives a more accurate measure of reading level. (MS)

Describes an alternative method of placing students in reading groups which reduces reliance on achievement tests, yet remains manageable enough for large groups of students. Describes the six formal and informal measures used in placement: achievement test scores, IQ scores, attitude scores, current placement, grade in reading, and teacher…