Administering an Informal Reading Inventory: Step-by-Step Guide
Are you a teacher looking for an effective way to assess your students’ reading abilities? You may want to consider an informal reading inventory (IRI). An IRI is a series of assessments that help identify a student’s instructional and independent reading levels. It involves evaluating the student’s reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to administer an IRI.
Step 1: Selection
The first step is to select appropriate assessment materials. Choose a reading passage at the student’s grade level or slightly above. You can also use leveled books or materials from a standard IRI kit. Additionally, you will need a comprehension question sheet and a running record sheet.
Step 2: Pre-Reading
Before beginning the assessment, introduce the passage to the student. Preview the title and author and provide a brief summary of the content. Have the student read the title and ask them to predict what the story might be about. Then, have the student read the first paragraph while you note any miscues, errors, or hesitations.
Step 3: Reading
During the reading, have the student read aloud while you take a running record. Use a coding system to record errors, self-corrections, and fluency. After the student finishes reading, ask comprehension questions to assess their understanding of the material.
Step 4: Post-Reading
After the reading, summarize the story and discuss any unfamiliar vocabulary. Use the comprehension questions to assess the student’s understanding of the material. Then, ask the student to reflect on the reading experience and provide feedback about the passage’s difficulty level.
Step 5: Analysis
Analyze the student’s results to determine their instructional and independent reading levels. Start by scoring the running record and determining the accuracy rate. Next, review the comprehension questions to identify any trends or patterns. Use the results to create a personalized reading plan that matches the student’s abilities.
Conclusion
Administering an IRI can be a valuable tool for teachers to assess their students’ reading abilities. This step-by-step guide provides an effective method for evaluating a student’s comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. By selecting appropriate assessment materials, pre-reading, reading, post-reading, and analysis, teachers can identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses and tailor their instruction accordingly.
