How we assess reading
Termly assessments
At the end of each term, the children complete a reading assessment, which is levelled against standardised scores to determine whether they are working towards (WTS), working at (EXS) or working above (GDS) the expected level for their year group. This is used alongside the children's results from the Star Reading Test, from Accelerated Reader, (see below) and teacher judgements.
Renaissance Reading (Accelerated Reader)
We use the Star Reading Test (Yrs 3-6 and Yr 2 at the class teacher's discretion), which is part of an online resource called Renaissance Reading (Accelerated Reader), to generate a reading comprehension age and a book level in the form of a points scale. This identifies books that the children can choose, which will be at the right level to provide optimal reading challenge without frustration. Tests are completed every half term so that children’s levels are regularly updated. Accelerated Reader also allows us to track pupils' understanding of texts (comprehension). This table gives a rough idea as to which book levels correspond with which year groups. However, this is only a guide as there isn’t an exact correlation.
Year | AR Book Level |
2 | 1.9 – 2.8 |
3 | 2.8 – 3.3 |
4 | 3.3 – 3.7 |
5 | 3.7 – 4.6 |
6 | 4.6 – 5.6+ |
It is also worth noting that children's levels might fluctuate and often dip slightly after the summer holiday.
See Phonics Tab for more information on our Phonics Scheme 'Little Wandle'.