How to assess fluency & wcpm
(words correct per minute)
Fluency helps to gauge what level the student is currently performing at.
(Rasinski, 1991).
![Picture](/uploads/2/2/4/7/22478902/6766503.jpg)
Steps for using the Multidimensional Fluency Scale
- Select appropriate 'instructional level - independent level' text
- Use the 'average reading rates' in conjunction with the below formula to determine WCPM
- Use the fluency rubric to ascertain fluency level
- Track progress with the ' Reading fluency chart' to provide students with incentive
Average Rates of Reading in the Primary Years
By end Year 1 - 60 words/min By end Year 2 -90/100 words/min In Years 3–6 -100–120 words/min *with < 3 errors with material getting progressively harder |
Select text that students read with 95% accuracy
Example below:
* This indicates that the text being read is not a suitable level for the activity
|
Recommended WCPM can be estimated on grade level
* if the student has a very low WCPM
set WCPM at 10-20 words per minute higher than initial reading
Independent Level - Relatively easy for the student to read (95% word accuracy).
Instructional Level - Challenging but manageable for the reader (90% word accuracy).
Frustration Level - Difficult text for the student to read (less than 90% word accuracy).
*For fluency building, materials should be at instructional level or above.
(Modified from Hasbrouck, 1998
* if the student has a very low WCPM
set WCPM at 10-20 words per minute higher than initial reading
Independent Level - Relatively easy for the student to read (95% word accuracy).
Instructional Level - Challenging but manageable for the reader (90% word accuracy).
Frustration Level - Difficult text for the student to read (less than 90% word accuracy).
*For fluency building, materials should be at instructional level or above.
(Modified from Hasbrouck, 1998
One minute fluency readers can be timed and used for repeated reading with partners.
(Wolf, 2009).
(Wolf, 2009).
Further readings and useful websites
- Department of Education and Children’s Services, Government of South Australia (2011). Understanding the reading process: Fluency. Retrieved from http://www.decd.sa.gov.au/literacy/files/links/UtRP_1_5_v3.pdf
- How to Determine Appropriate Level Text https://dibels.uoregon.edu/training/bir/accuracy-and-fluency.php
- U.S Department of Education, Reading Rockets WETA (2013). Teaching kids to read and helping those who struggle Retrieved from: http://www.readingrockets.org/article/392/
- Denton, C.A. (2012). Response to intervention for reading difficulties in the primary grades: Some answers and lingering questions. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 45(3), 232-243.