An Examination of Silent Reading Rates and Comprehension

Guy Trainin, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Kathleen M. Wilson, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Elfrieda Hiebert, University of California- Berkeley
Joan Erickson
Virginia Laughridge, University of Nebraska- Lincoln

Document Type Article

This is a poster presentation

Abstract

This paper is presented at AERA 2008 and discusses an innovative assessment of silent reading fluency. Fluency is a critical component of proficient reading. The NRP’s conclusions regarding the efficacy of oral reading in instruction and assessment led to an emphasis on oral reading experiences. Ultimately, however, the goal of reading instruction is for students to read extended texts on their own (i.e., silently) with comprehension. While previous studies have not been successful in measuring silent reading fluency accurately, we present evidence that such assessment is possible using a comprehension based approach through a computer. The paper will present evidence to the validity and reliability of such assessment. Results further show a consistent rate positively associated with comprehension with all students except those in the bottom quartile in comprehension.