Oral Reading Assessments

A research was conducted to determine the accuracy of preservice teachers in scoring oral
reading fluency tests. The results of the research, revealed the positive and negative aspects in
oral reading fluency tests. Two negative aspects in ORF tests are that the test are administered
by preservice teachers and that the same test format is given to all students from first to sixth
grade, and the positive aspects of the tests are that the tests are one minute long and that the tests
are administered three times a year.
Preservice Teachers Administer the Test
The first negative aspect of the ORF tests is that the tests are administered by preservice
teachers who are not trained properly or who are not trained at all. Most preservice teachers are
instructional aides or volunteers who are given minimal instruction on how to administer the test
and then, they are immediately sent to test the students. Due to the inadequate training, students
are misclassified. Consequently, students academic achievement can be negatively affected. In
order to prevent my future students from being misclassified, I will arrange time to personally
test my students.
Same Test for All
Another negative aspect in the ORF tests is that the same test format is given to all
students from first to sixth grade. However, even though the ORF is a good assessment, it
should not be given to all grade levels equally. The research revealed that first grade students
were properly scored. So, first graders should take this same test. Yet, the six grade students were
inaccurately scored due to reading speed and misidentification. Therefore, the six graders should
take the test in a different format. Even though teachers cant change the test format, they can

adjust the test taking process. For this reason, in order to avoid inaccurate scoring, I plan on
modifying the way my students take the test by videotaping the assessments. That way, I can
observe mouth movement and keep up with fast reading speed. As a result, my students will be
properly scored and accurately classified.
One Minute Duration
On the other hand, a positive aspect in the ORF assessment is that the test is adequately
one minute long. According to Coulter, Shavin, and Gichuru (2009), the student reads for one
minute while the teacher notes the number of errors made during that time. Some people believe
that the test should last longer. Yet, one minute is enough to identify children with reading
problems. If done correctly, the ORF measures have proven to be efficient and effective in
identifying children who need additional support (Coulter et al., 2009, p. 71). So why make
it last longer, if one minute is enough? Besides, if testing time is minimal, then class instructional
time wont be greatly affected. As a future teacher, I want to spend the majority of my time
teaching instead of testing. Therefore, it is pleasing to know that I will be able to assess my
students with an effective and quick 1 min test.
Three Times in a Year
Another positive aspect of the ORF tests is that it is given three times a year, so it
monitors students improvement. One passage of the ORF test is given to the students during the
fall, a second series is given during the winter, and a third is given during the spring (Coulter et
al., 2009). By monitoring the students reading progress, teachers can identify any reading
problems the students might have. With the goal to help my students succeed academically, I will
check for progress through out the assessments and I will make sure students get additional
support if they need it.

When a student isnt reading at grade level, his/ her over all academic performance is
affected. ORF assessments can be used by teachers in order to help students succeed. In order to
make the test fair and accurate, I will do the testing personally. Remember, every student
deserves the right to be correctly classified.

Reference List

Coulter, G., Shavin, K., & Gichuru, M. (2009). Oral reading fluency: Accuracy of assessing
errors and classification of readers using a 1-min timed reading sample. Preventing
School Failure, 54(1), 71-76.