Artifact # 2
Context: I received training, both theoretical and practical, in the "Reading Assessment and Correction" class taught by Dr. Morris. The class provided diagnostic materials and instruction on how to administer and score individual reading assessments. The detailed scoring from the Individual Reading Inventory (IRI) allows a teacher to develop individual, or small group lesson plans. These lessons are designed to aid struggling readers by assisting them in reaching grade level reading ability, or these inventories can evaluate a group of students that are on grade level and assist a teacher in concentrating on a specific weakness common to the group.
Part of the training and evaluation received in this class involved administering an IRI to two different students. This assessment involved a word recognition section, an oral and silent reading section, and a spelling examination. When the results are combined, a teacher obtains an accurate reading level. The artifact I have chose is significant in that it clearly demonstrates how a student can progress through school and continue to be several grade levels below the peer group in reading ability.
Impact: I completed this class when I was a regular classroom teacher. It was a major surprise when I realized that this student was having so much difficulty with grade level reading materials. Additionally, I realized that he was not the only student that was suffering by working on a reading level that was clearly frustrating to him. As a teacher, one of the greatest challenges is to motivate a student. If they can't read on grade level, them motivation becomes a vital component to the learning experience. Being able to accurately assess reading levels and abilities makes a teacher more capable in meeting the needs of all the students. When a teacher receives direction to modify or adapt assignments to the student's ability, they must know the student's reading level. Only then can they competently accomplish this task.
Alignment:
Standard A: Instructional Expertise By completing the "Reading Assessment and Correction" class I am better able to incorporate reading inventory results into the classroom setting. The result is a better learning environment for students that are below grade level in their reading ability. The instruction can be modified to better accommodate the student and place them on a level of success instead of a level of frustration.
Standard C: Research The assigned readings from the "Reading Assessment and Corrections" class provided me with a theoretical basis for administering the Individual Reading Inventory (IRI). Additionally, the class used historical and contemporary literature to support the IRI, and incorporated current research materials to allow for an accurate reading assessment.
Standard D: Content Knowledge By successfully completing the IRI for the class I was better able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of reading difficulties and the necessary skills to correct the identified deficiencies. By understanding the theories behind the IRI, accurately administering and interpreting the IRI, and adequately preparing lesson plans to support the individual student's needs, I can confidently articulate and analyze a student's reading performance.