Teacher Rating and Reading Readiness as Predictors of Vocabulary and Comprehension Achievement in First, Second, Third and Fourth Grade

Abstract

This study evaluates two kindergarten predictive instruments by following the same population over one, two, three, and four years using multiple-regression analysis. The Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests: Readiness Skills (1968) and the Teacher Estimate of Kindergarten Pupils' Abilities (Kirk, 1966) were used as predictor variables. The criterion variables consisted of the vocabulary and comprehension test scores from the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Tests Primary, A, B, C, and Survey D administered one, two, three, and four years later. The analyses show exactly which subtests on the reading readiness tests and exactly which areas of the kindergarten teacher rating scale were predictive. Results of this study clearly indicate the need for a revised teacher rating scale incorporating fewer areas.