New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

How should observations and records be used in assessing literacy?

1. To evaluate student interests

2. To identify students not meeting standards

3. To compare students across grades

4. To focus only on reading scores

The correct answer is: To identify students not meeting standards

Using observations and records to identify students not meeting standards is essential in the literacy assessment process. This approach allows educators to gather qualitative and quantitative data about individual student performance in relation to literacy benchmarks. By closely examining students' reading behaviors, comprehension skills, fluency, and other literacy components, educators can pinpoint specific areas of weakness. This data-driven identification is crucial for implementing targeted interventions to support those students who are struggling. In contrast, while evaluating student interests can aid in motivation and engagement, it does not directly assess literacy proficiency or progress. Comparing students across grades emphasizes relative performance rather than individual growth, and focusing solely on reading scores neglects the broader spectrum of literacy skills, including writing and comprehension. Therefore, the best practice lies in using observations and records to accurately identify students who require additional support in meeting literacy standards.