Reading Test – The Symptoms and Statistics
A typical reading test is designed to reveal reading struggles. Thus, the mainstream approach to reading assessment is to test for age-appropriate levels of proficiency, fluency, and comprehension. In 2005, a national reading test revealed that more than two-thirds of U.S. students are reading below grade level. Sadly, over one-third of our students are reading two or more grade levels behind (The Nation’s Report Card: Reading 2005, U.S. Department of Education).
But that’s where the standard reading test ends -- with symptoms and statistics. Where is the reading test that not only quantifies the reading difficulties, but also helps uncover the root causes of those difficulties?
Reading Test – Getting to the Root of the Issue
While national reading tests are showing major reading problems in the general school population, there is now a large volume of research showing that nearly 88% of these reading problems are caused by underlying issues with auditory processing (sound recognition, analysis, and awareness) (Institute of Health and Child Development, 1985-1995).
Therefore, an effective reading test should not only reveal reading struggles, but also help teachers, parents, and students understand the potential causes of those struggles. At the heart of any reading test should be an assessment of the child’s strengths and weaknesses in foundational skills such as auditory processing. Simply, a symptom without a cause only frustrates everyone, most importantly, the struggling child.
Reading Test – Assessing Cognitive Skills
At LearningRx, a reading test is actually a cognitive skills test. Our goal with this test is twofold: Uncover the reading issues and identify the root causes. Students of all ages can be screened for reading difficulties with a simple phonemic awareness assessment like ours. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and process discreet units of sound. It’s the mental skill that allows students to segment and blend speech sounds that correspond with letters and words. At LearningRx, this auditory assessment is a crucial part of any reading test, because it actually reveals the causes of the reading struggles in approximately 88% of the cases.
If you witness any of the following age-specific weaknesses in your child, we urge you to pursue a more comprehensive cognitive assessment like the one offered by LearningRx:
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Ages Five to Six – Your child has difficulty recognizing rhymes, remembering names, recognizing letter shapes, or developing basic language skills.
Ages Six to Seven – Your child has difficulty learning the alphabet and corresponding letter sounds, applying phonics to reading, spelling basic sight words, or reading aloud with some fluency.
Ages Seven to Eight – Your child has difficulty recalling facts, using phonics to sound out multi-syllable words, or correctly spelling previously studied or commonly seen words.
Ages Nine and Up – Your child has difficulty with reading and spelling at grade level, reading with fluency and comprehension, reading out loud in front of others, or inordinate amounts of homework.
Reading Test – The Key to Unlocking Success
Whether a basic reading test or a comprehensive cognitive skills assessment, it’s important to take the first step towards addressing the root causes of your child’s reading difficulties. Please call your local LearningRx Center to schedule a visit and learn more about our cognitive skills assessments and training programs. Decades of results declare that proper assessment and training is the key to unlocking a lifetime of reading success for your child.
Get the specific answers you need. Call one of our learning experts today.
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