Research from the National Center for Educational Statistics [accessed January 16, 2009] provides data on reading scores and the factors surrounding each student's score. Looking at the factors that went into the fourth grade reading test scores, teachers can see what helps to improve student scores and what makes no difference. The results may be surprising, but will provide important information for lesson planning.
Factors that Improve Reading Test Scores in Fourth Graders
There are many things that helped to improve the reading test scores of fourth graders across the nation. Some are within the teacher's control, and some are not. Females, on average, do better than males, which should encourage teachers to focus their efforts on the boys in their classrooms. In addition, students in private school typically do better than those students in public schools, a fact that teachers have no control over.
Other factors that were connected with higher reading test scores include:
- Reading is a favorite activity
- Enjoy reading for fun
- Frequent discussions on what the student is reading
- Vocabulary development
- Students allowed to choose their own books
- Silent reading
By focusing reading instruction around these things, test scores may begin to rise among students. The most difficult point to work on, is the issue of making reading an enjoyable activity. The idea of allowing students to choose their own books may help in this endeavor, so teachers should be sure to have a varied classroom library for students to browse.
Factors that Made no Difference in Reading Test Scores in Fourth Graders
Although every teacher has an opinion on what skills are the most important for their students, some of these common areas of teaching are not as helpful as teachers may think. According to the statistical data on the NCES website, areas that made no difference in student test scores included:
- Answering questions in writing
- Reading aloud
- Completing projects on reading material
- Presentations on reading material
- Class size
This list differs from the data on students in the twelfth grade, emphasizing the need to adjust teaching style based on grade level. While answering questions in writing does not help at the fourth grade level, this was something that did help in twelfth grade. Teachers need to focus on the data for their particular grade level when deciding how to work on improving reading test scores.
Fortunately for many teachers working in overcrowded schools, the class size had little impact on the student's test scores. Additionally, reading aloud does not actually help students improve their reading skills, even though that may be the only way for teachers to assess a student's progress. Concentrating less on these types of activities that make little difference in the test scores will help free up valuable time to focus on more important and effective methods of teaching.
This information was based on a national look at fourth grade students during 2002 and 2005 testing years. Another factor that was shown to make a difference in test scores, was the number of days students were absent. The more days the students were absent over the school year, the lower their test score. Although this is out of a teacher's control, it is something to keep in mind as students begin to miss more classes.
You may be interested in more information about standardized state testing including more information on raising student test scores.
Read more information on how to teach reading.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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