RICA Competency 2: Reading Assessment

Introduction

The goal of the second RICA competency is to effectively gather, interpret and use information to determine an individual’s reading development. Teachers should know how to effectively administer different types of assessments and also how to interpret and communicate the results.

Examples

Reading assessment can be accomplished in a variety of ways, all of which are useful for specific reasons. I have observed first hand how important it is to use multiple methods of assessment in order to get a good grasp on the progress of all of your students.

Entry level assessments are used to determine the current level of the student. Examples of this would be the San Diego Quick or the Phonemic awareness test. I have seen these types of tests in action and they allow the instructor to get a clear understanding of what the child can understand and what they may be struggling with.

 

Differentiation 

Monitoring progress assessments tell the teacher who is making adequate progress. This is monitored both at the individual and classroom level. On the individual level I have read with students and then asked them comprehension questions to judge what they have learned. At the classroom level, I am able to tell that if the majority of the class isn’t understanding the material, then I need to  take extra time to review the material with everyone.

Assessments 
 

Summative assessments show what the students have learned and whether or not that knowledge can be used in other areas of reading. The best way to do this is to apply what the student has learned from the homework or classroom assignment to a completely different topic. This will help the teacher assess if the child has thoroughly grasped the subject and can use critical thinking skills to apply that information to other aspects of reading.

RICA Competency 1: Planning, Organizing and Managing Reading Instruction

Introduction

The main objective of the first RICA competency is to plan, organize and manage an instructional program that helps every child achieve the Common Core standards. It also explains how teachers can assess and encourage student independent reading. 

Examples

In order to achieve the Common Core standards, teachers must acknowledge the wide range of methods that can be used to teach student independent reading. During my observation in a 9th grade ESL classroom, I was able to witness the teacher implementing several different methods depending on the reading level and style of the specific student. 


Differentiation 

Students who were at a lower skill level of reading had access to computer programs that allowed them to move through to content at their own pace. The teacher would assign reading homework and then make sure to discuss comprehension questions out loud in class so she could assess who was understanding the content and who might need additional time or help. 


Assessments

Individual conferences help to identify each student's reading level and provide them with appropriate instruction.