Reading Practice and Test Scores
Title 1 teachers are currently testing all students using Aims Web. This is a computer-based reading evaluation. Each grade level is tested on different components of reading. Grade 1 is tested on their abilities to segment words into phonemes, 'read' nonsense words, and to read three passages orally and the average score of these three is recorded.
This type of testing had to be instituted with the passage of federal and state laws; especially the federal law, No Child Left Behind (NCLB). This law requires schools to test all students to make sure students are making progress in reading and that students are reading near grade-level. Those students not reading on grade-level by the third and fourth grades can be retained due to poor reading abilities. We hope this does not have to happen and our school takes several precautions to help those students not on grade-level. I am always amazed that parents and students do not always take advantage of programs offered at school. Some students just have to mature to begin understanding the reading process; which NCLB does not take into account.
During this round of testing (we take a Fall, winter, and Spring benchmark of scores), I have seen some really good progress in some students' scores. It never fails, when I ask them, "What have you been doing to improve your reading?", I tend to get the same answer, "I have just been reading every day." I cannot stress the importance of just getting your child to read every day. Reading for just 15 - 30 minutes a day can have a significant impact on a student's reading scores. This is the most important non-materialistic item you, as a parent, could ever give your child. Please help your child continue to read throughout the summer months!
