Fluency

What is Fluency and why is it important? Fluency is the critical bridge between two key elements of reading - decoding and comprehension. Fluency has several dimensions. Successful readers must decode words accurately. But they must move beyond decoding and recognize words in text quickly and automatically. They must also read with expression to bring meaningful interpretation to the text. All three dimensions, accurate decoding, automaticity, and ability to read expressively-work together to create effective comprehension and overall success in reading.

Fluency Passages

The fluency passages serve two purposes.

1. Assessment: If the passage is one the student has not read before (cold read), it can be used to determine if the student is on track or making progress to meet their goal.

2. Practice: Once the student has read the passage, it can be used for repeated readings for students to practice their automaticity and expression.

How to use the passages for assessment:

*You may print the passage or follow along on the computer. If you follow along, you will need paper and pencil to keep track of errors.

Choose a passage, explain that you would like the students to read the passage out loud and then answer two questions about it. Then say: when you are ready, you may begin. Start a timer when the student reads the first word.

1. Follow along on your copy of the passage as the student reads. Circle each word that is read incorrectly or omitted. (You may place also place a check above each word that is read correctly or do not mark at all).

2. If the student does not correctly say the word within 3 seconds, say the word for the student and circle it. If the student self-corrects or repeats a word, it is not counted as an error.

3. At the end of 1 minute, stop your stopwatch and place a bracket ] after the last word read by the student.

4. Have the student finish reading the passage.

5. Read the comprehension questions to the student and have them answer orally. I like to have a short conversation about the passage after they answer the questions but it isn't necessary. *Note: Fluency does not mean only rapid reading. Students may be able to read the passage quickly but will fail to use appropriate phrasing. This reader struggles to answer the questions about the text. If you notice this, stress the importance of punctuation and reading for meaning and practice those items during repeated reading, not during assessment.

6. Look at the number to the left of the same line in which you placed the bracket. Subtract from this number all the words that follow the bracket to arrive at the number of words the student was able to read in 1 minute. Count any words you circled (the student's errors) and subtract that number from the words read to arrive at the students Oral Reading Fluency Rate or correct Words Per Minute.

We use the AIMsweb Plus National Norms for the 50th percentile as our fluency goals for students.

Third Grade Oral Reading Fluency Goals:

Fall: 87 words per minute

Winter: 111 words per minute

Spring: 127 words per minute

How to use the passages for practice:

There are different variations for implementing repeated readings. I like to assess a student on a passage and then use that SAME passage as their practice since they have already read it and we discussed it.

1. After assessing the student on a passage, read the passage out loud to the student. Make sure to use appropriate phrasing so students hear the pauses when there is punctuation. Also use expression in your voice. Remember, you are modeling how you want the student to read that passage back to you.

2. Have the student read the passage again, trying to focus on phrasing, expression and reading the words automatically. If the student is struggling with those skills, try choral reading it together! You may also stop at each paragraph to shorten the practice into smaller "chunks".

3. Have the student read the passage again orally while you use the timer to "assess" them again. Provide feedback and guidance and have the student continue to practice reading the same passage 3-4 times a week.

*Praise, praise, praise their progress :)