Oral Reading Fluency

What does Oral Reading Fluency assess?

          Oral Reading Fluency assesses a child's ability to read accurately and fluently.

When is it given?

          It is given in the winter, and spring of first grade, and the fall, winter, and spring of
              second and third grade.

How is it administered?

         To view a video clip of this being given to a child, click on the link below.

          To view an online tutorial, click on the link below.

                                                                

In review...

          The teacher reads a specific set of directions to the child.

          The child has 1 minute to read a passage.

          If the child struggles with a word for 3 seconds, the teacher will tell the word and
               instruct him/her to go on.

          The child's score is the number of words read correctly in 1 minute.

          Three passages are read and the middle score is the one that is counted.

Why is this important?

          When a child reads fluently and accurately, less time is spent on decoding
               words and more time can be devoted to understanding what has been read.

Where should my child's score be when he takes this test?

          The benchmark score differs depending upon the time of year the test is taken.

          Let's think of benchmark as meaning the score your child needs to be considered
               on target for the time of year the test is taken.

          The chart below will show the minimum benchmark score. Children who score
               below the benchmark will receive additional reading support.  

          There are different benchmark goals for each grade level.
 

Oral Reading Fluency Benchmark Scores

 1st

 2nd

Marie L. Smith
Red Creek Central School District
M. W. Cuyler Elementary School
Last updated on 2-10-05

Background