We recently completed an initial look at reading fluency for the class, and the results are in. Using a program called Aimsweb, I am able to listen to students read short passages to determine the rate at which they read. Backed by research is the idea that when students read at a conversational rate, they better understand the text they have read. At this time, fourth graders are expected to read a minimum of 108 words per minute. At the end of the year, they are expected to read a minimum of 140 words per minute.
There are some students who will meet that goal easily and others who can make the effort to get there...but some are far from reading at grade level. Let's look at some statistics for our class:
There are some students who will meet that goal easily and others who can make the effort to get there...but some are far from reading at grade level. Let's look at some statistics for our class:
When I look at the numbers, disregarding the color code, it appears that about half of this year's Hoggatteers have achieved grade-level reading levels. Unfortunately, that means the other half are a grade level or two (or more) below expectations. That's all the more reason why each fourth grader should read for 30 uninterrupted minutes, outside of school, every day. Let's make every effort to make this graph change, this year.
