Brief annotations of currently available basic learning tests, which were either specifically designed for adults or modified for use with adults, are presented. Information given for each measure includes author; the source from which it may be obtained; the purpose of the instrument; the nature of the materials; groups for which it is intended;…

This book offers an overview of the reading diagnosis process, emphasizing specific informal testing techniques for use in the classroom. In addition to presenting specific testing instruments, the book discusses the theory and practice of diagnosis teaching, describes the instruments and the rationale for their use, and offers specific guidance…

A collection of papers delivered during the Fifteenth Annual International Reading Association Convention is presented which represents a variety of views on diagnosis and/or on the manner in which diagnistic information is interpreted. The papers have been arranged into three sections. The first deals with the importance of diagnosis, presents…

In contemporary reading comprehension tests, abilities which may have little to do with reading ability can have a great effect on test scores. Reading tests are not constructed so that they maximize abilities unique to reading. On the other hand, tests on other language skills do not minimize what is unique to reading. Comprehension is the…

This resource handbook addresses the problem of illiteracy in correctional institutions and focuses on practical methods for improving the reading skills of offenders. It defines illiteracy, offers statistics on its incidence in correctional institutions, and lists barriers to overcoming the problem with suggested solutions. An overview of methods…

Reviews research regarding reading strategies used by Hebrew-speaking students to comprehend English for specific purposes texts, focusing on verbal report techniques in: developing a taxonomy for reading strategies; checking the appropriateness of mentalistic measures for different populations; determining similarities between first-language and…

Discusses three studies that deal with instructional suggestions related to cross-age tutoring, the use of analogies, and some rethinking of a common testing practice--out-of-level testing for disabled readers. (FL)

Summarizes National Assessment of Educational Progress findings regarding the reading proficiency of students in Catholic and public schools in fourth, eighth, and eleventh grades. Contrasts results in terms of family background and social status, school characteristics, and behavior associated with academic performance. (DMM)

This report states that since July 1995, the State of Florida has required each public college and university to obtain scores on one of the following test batteries for degree-seeking students prior to registration: Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), or the Florida College Entry-Level Placement Test (CPT). A…

This report summarizes evaluation results of AISD's state-funded Accelerated Reading Instruction (ARI) grant activities for 2002-2003.

Describes the language-arts assessment instrument developed and piloted by a small urban school district that has a high percentage of students learning English as a Second Language. Developing the instrument, training teachers to be scorers, and the actual piloting of the reading and writing portions of the evaluation are detailed. (SLD)

Results from the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program for 5,392 elementary school students and from the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (multiple choice) for a national sample are used to explore local item independence (LID) of test items. Some strategies are suggested for measuring LID in performance assessments. (SLD)

Examines reasons why African-American and Hispanic-American students tend to have lower average scores than do white students on standardized mathematics and reading examinations, using data from a study of teachers' basic skills in Texas involving almost 900 school districts. Teacher-related factors that improve student performance are discussed.…

The sensitivity of two curriculum-based measurement procedures, maze (a modified cloze procedure), and oral reading, were evaluated with six students with mental retardation and concomitant emotional/behavioral disorders. Although teacher acceptability of the two procedures was equal, ideographic comparisons revealed oral reading fluency to be a…

Bucking a longstanding tradition of local control, the Idaho Legislature launched mandatory statewide standards in reading in 1999. The Idaho Reading Indicator now monitors the progress of early readers three times a year. Innovative local strategies to help struggling readers are described, and the importance of a systemic approach to reform and…