This longitudinal study investigated children's performance on several informal reading and spelling tasks. Students (n = 274) in a rural North Carolina county were assessed across grades 2 to 6 on the following measures: isolated word recognition (timed and untimed), oral reading accuracy, reading comprehension, reading rate, and spelling.…

Assessment of early reading development is important for all stakeholders. It can identify children who need special instruction and provide useful information to parents as well as summative accounts of early achievement in schools. Researchers at the Center for Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA) investigated early reading…

Homogeneous grouping does not necessarily provide a setting for greater gains in reading achievement. Teacher-use of informal reading inventories, such as cloze is os suggested for accurate placement of children in reading groups. (NH)

Presents principles for devising and using developmentally appropriate procedures for assessing young children's reading and writing. Contends that informal observations and structured performance sample assessments are more appropriate than standardized tests. Offers specific examples of assessments of several aspects of literacy development. (RH)