WCAL conducted an evaluation of reading
assessments. The assessments covered a range of early
reading skills, including measurements of pupils' Initial
Sound Fluency, Letter Naming Fluency, Phoneme Segmentation
Fluency, Word Use, Reading and Comprehension. The purpose
of the evaluation was to identify ways in which technology
can make the assessment process more straightforward
and efficient for teachers in Reception, Year 1 and
Year 2. The aim of the technology was to provide teachers
with an easy to use way of administering frequent, short
assessment checks on pupil's progress, and to provide
immediate reports on any issues about specific children.
Teachers involved in the evaluation were extremely positive
about the approaches. They suggested it strengthened
classroom-based assessment “ .prompts teachers to
ask questions about children’s performances and their
weaknesses”. There was also clear evidence that
this approach could improve literacy levels: “ .Immediate
results & feedback. Very powerful - highly visual for
teacher and pupil. Results calculated for the teacher.”
Teachers also noted that it yields significant efficiencies
and delivers consistent assessment data, even suggesting
that it “ .should be used for year 2 reading assessment
- saves so much time.” See video below: