Ask the Reading Expert

Ask the Reading Expert: Low Scores on Reading Tests

Question:  My son’s state reading test scores are low. When I listen to him read, he stumbles over many words. How can I find out what the problem is and what can I do to help him.

 

Answer: There are four main areas that could be causing his problem: phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. A reading diagnostic test can pinpoint the exact cause of the reading problem.

 

What is a reading diagnostic test?

A reading diagnostic test can diagnose the exact cause of a reading problem. A reading diagnostic test needs to be made to determine:

• 1) whether a child can sound out or decode the words at the level at which the text is;

• 2) whether the child understands the vocabulary words at that level; 

• 3) whether the child comprehends what he or she reads; or

• 4) whether the child can read fast enough to complete the test in the given time.

I suggest that you select a book at his grade level and listen to him read to you.  If he is struggling with many words, then a more thorough reading diagnosis needs to be made to determine which of the above four reasons are causing the problem. Once that is determined, then he can get help in the appropriate area.

Keys to Reading Success can help you do all of this at home with its easy-to-use, online reading diagnostic test. 

 

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Email: info@keyslearning.com

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