Literacy assessment - a case study in diagnosing and building a struggling reader’s profile

Abstract

Poor language and literacy abilities negatively impact students emotionally, causing low self-esteem, anxiety, and frustration. This affects their attitudes towards learning, reduces motivation, and limits opportunities. Thus, addressing early language and literacy challenges through intervention and accurate assessment is vital for not only positive emotional development but for all round academic growth. In a single-case study, the reading skills of a struggling third grade reader were assessed using tools such as QRI (Qualitative Reading Inventory) and visual-discrimination assessments to create a diagnostic profile. The study aimed to identify the student's reading level, and factors that affect language and literacy abilities. Results showed that the student's instructional reading level was at a low average range for expository texts but at a much higher level (fourth) for narrative texts. Strong word recognition skills were observed, but difficulty in comprehending expository, informational texts was evident. Recommendations include using targeted strategies to improve comprehension skills at all levels (literal, inferential, evaluative) for expository texts, while also addressing the emotional and social development of learners. / Keywords: literacy assessment, struggling reader, language and literacy, case study, elementary education