Reading Achievement Test Research Articles

An Analysis of the Critical Reading Levels of Pre-service Turkish and Literature Teachers

Problem Statement: Critical reading refers to individuals’ thinking about what they read, assessing what they have read, and using their own judgment about what they have read. In order to teach critical reading skills to students, a teacher is expected to have knowledge about text selection, use of appropriate methods, preparation of functional learning and teaching processes, among other qualities; teachers must display critical reading skills as well. Purpose of Study: The aim of the study was to determine the critical reading levels of pre-service teachers of Turkish language as well as Turkish language and literature in terms of several variables in order to make inferences about pre-service teachers’ potential to develop their students’ critical reading skills. Method: The study group, which was selected using the descriptive survey model, consisted of a total of 173 students attending Balikesir University Necatibey Faculty of Education. A personal information form and the Critical Reading Achievement Test (CRAT) were used as the data collection tools. CRAT employs a multiple-choice format, and its KR 20 reliability was determined to be .81 and its mean difficulty.64. The data were analyzed using a t-test and variance analysis1. Findings and Results: The study revealed that pre-service teachers’ have moderate critical reading skills. In addition, in the analysis examining the relationships of pre-service teachers’ critical reading levels to their department, a difference emerged in favor of students from the Turkish Language and Literature Department. In contrast, the analysis revealed that the variables of gender, achievement level, number of books read annually, the preferred book types, and the effective use of social media did not influence students’ critical reading levels. Conclusions and Recommendations: Critical reading education constitutes an important dimension of language teaching programs that aim to improve comprehension and expression skills. It is important that pre-service teachers have critical reading skills and know how to teach critical reading. Therefore, critical reading practices and ways of teaching this skill should be included in appropriate courses (reading education, special teaching methods, etc.) in both Turkish language as well as Turkish language and literature teaching programs; additionally, these programs should be supported with optional courses such as critical reading and media literacy. Keywords: Critical reading, reading skills, language teaching, literature teaching, pre-service teacher

Impact of duration of untreated psychosis and premorbid intelligence on cognitive functioning in patients with first-episode schizophrenia

BackgroundThe neurotoxic hypothesis suggests that psychosis is toxic to the brain leading to clinical consequences. In this study, we hypothesized that a longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in first episode schizophrenia (FES) patients is associated with poorer cognitive functioning, and that higher premorbid intelligence buffers against DUP-related cognitive impairment. MethodEighty-one FES patients completed a neuropsychological battery, the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS). Composite scores of the BACS, which were normalized to a matched healthy control of seventy-three subjects, were used as an index of general cognition. A median split using the Wide Range Achievement Test–Reading Test scores was used to divide the patients into low versus high premorbid IQ groups. Hierarchical linear regression was performed to examine predictors of general cognition, including DUP. ResultsLonger DUP was found to be a significant predictor of poorer general cognition. In addition, DUP predicted general cognition in the low premorbid IQ group but not in the high premorbid IQ group. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that longer DUP in FES patients is associated with worse cognitive scores, and that this association is more pronounced in a subgroup of patients who have lower premorbid intelligence. Our results suggest the importance of earlier identification and management of patients with low premorbid IQ, given that their cognition may be more vulnerable to the toxicity of psychosis.

Clinical correlates of working memory deficits in youth with and without ADHD: A controlled study

ABSTRACTObjective: Both working memory (WM; a brain system that provides temporary storage and manipulation of the information) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been associated with educational deficits. Since WM deficits are prevalent in children with ADHD, the main aim of the present study was to examine whether educational deficits are driven by working memory deficits or driven by the effect of ADHD itself. Method: Participants were referred youth with (N = 276) and without (N = 241) ADHD ascertained from pediatric and psychiatric sources. Assessment included measures of psychiatric, psychosocial, educational, and cognitive functioning. Education deficits were defined as grade retention or placement in special classes and were assessed using interviews and written rating scales. Working memory was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Revised (WISC–R) Freedom from Distractibility (FFD) factor based on Digit Span, Arithmetic, and Coding. Results: Significantly more youth with ADHD had WM deficits than controls (31.9% vs. 13.7%, p < .05). In ADHD children, WM deficits were significantly (p < .01) associated with an increased risk for grade retention and placement in special classes as well as lower scores on reading and math achievement tests than for ADHD children without WM deficits. In contrast, no other differences were noted in other areas of functioning. Although WM deficits also had some adverse impact on educational and cognitive correlates in non-ADHD controls, these differences failed to attain statistical significance. Conclusion: WM deficits significantly and selectively increase the risk for academic deficits and cognitive dysfunction in children with ADHD beyond those conferred by ADHD. Screening for WM deficits may help identify children with ADHD at high risk for academic and cognitive dysfunction.

Parental, Community, and Familial Support Interventions to Improve Children's Literacy in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Parental, Community, and Familial Support Interventions to Improve Children's Literacy in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Pre-existing adversity, level of child protection involvement, and school attendance predict educational outcomes in a longitudinal study

Maltreatment largely occurs in a multiple-risk context. The few large studies adjusting for confounding factors have raised doubts about whether low educational achievement results from maltreatment or co-occurring risk factors. This study examined prevalence, risk and protective factors for low educational achievement among children involved with the child protection system compared to other children. We conducted a population-based record-linkage study of children born in Western Australia who sat national Year 3 reading achievement tests between 2008 and 2010 (N=46,838). The longitudinal study linked data from the Western Australian Department of Education, Department of Child Protection and Family Support, Department of Health, and the Disability Services Commission. Children with histories of child protection involvement (unsubstantiated maltreatment reports, substantiations or out-of-home care placement) were at three-fold increased risk of low reading scores. Adjusting for socio-demographic adversity partially attenuated the increased risk, however risk remained elevated overall and for substantiated (OR=1.68) and unsubstantiated maltreatment (OR=1.55). Risk of low reading scores in the out-of-home care group was fully attenuated after adjusting for socio-demographic adversity (OR=1.16). Attendance was significantly higher in the out-of-home care group and served a protective role. Neglect, sexual abuse, and physical abuse were associated with low reading scores. Pre-existing adversity was also significantly associated with achievement. Results support policies and practices to engage children and families in regular school attendance, and highlight a need for further strategies to prevent maltreatment and disadvantage from restricting children's opportunities for success.

The Effect of High School Socioeconomic, Racial, and Linguistic Segregation on Academic Performance and School Behaviors

Background/Context The 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision on Brown v. Board of Education concluded that segregated schools were inherently unequal and therefore unlawful. That decision was not based solely upon the notion that segregated black schools were inferior in terms of academic instruction, curricular rigor, resources, etc., but also on research that showed segregating black children had negative social-emotional and behavioral consequences. However, the vast majority of the research on school segregation over the past 50 years, has focused on its effects on academic achievement and opportunity to learn. As a result, little is known about the effects of school segregation on social-emotional and behavioral outcomes. This is a critical gap in the literature because other research indicates that school behaviors are as strong or stronger predictors of long-term educational, social, and employment outcomes as academic achievement. Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of three forms of school segregation—socioeconomic, ethnic/racial, and linguistic—on school behaviors (i.e., attendance, grade retention, and suspension) and academic performance (reading and math achievement test scores and GPA) in high school. The study also examines the degree to which each of three school mechanisms (school inputs, peer influences, and school practices) mediates the effects of segregation on student outcomes. Research Design The study uses survey data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:02). A sequence of multilevel models are fit to the data to address the research objectives. Conclusions American high schools are highly segregated by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and English language status. Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic segregation are strongly associated with school behaviors and academic performance. The negative effects of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic segregation on school behaviors and academic performance inordinately effect black, Hispanic, and low SES adolescents because they are far more likely to attend segregated schools. School practices that reduce disorder and disruption and emphasize academics strongly mediate of the effects of segregation as does having friends at school with an academic focus. Adopting positive behavioral practices to reduce behaviors that interfere with learning without increasing suspension and expulsion are likely most critical for ameliorating the effects of segregation. Reducing academic tracking is also recommended, given that it likely contributes to negative within-school peer influences among low SES and minority adolescents. However, greater integration is likely necessary to fully address the consequences of segregation.

Children’s implicit and explicit gender stereotypes about mathematics and reading ability

Study objectives were to clarify children’s gender-based implicit and explicit mathematics and reading stereotypes, and to determine if implicit and explicit measures were related or represented distinct constructs. One hundred and fifty-six boys and girls (mean age 11.3 years) from six elementary schools completed math or reading stereotype measures. Results for the implicit measures showed that children believed their own gender was superior in mathematics ability, and that girls but not boys believed that girls were better in reading. Explicit measures revealed that girls but not boys believed they were superior at math, and that girls and boys believed girls were better readers than boys. Implicit and explicit measures were not related. Results are discussed in relation to previous studies on children’s mathematics and reading gender stereotypes and large scale tests of mathematics and reading achievement. Educational and research implications are discussed.

English

The present study seeks to develop a total quality management (TQM) system that can be applied to primary schools. The approach focuses on customer orientation, total involvement of all constituencies and continuous improvement. TQM principles were studied and synthesized according to case studies of the best practices in 3 primary schools (small, medium, and large) I Inputs were defined as) organizational leadership and organizational resources. Processes were defined as existing in five subsystems, strategic planning, student and stakeholder focus, knowledge management and measurement, staff focus, and process management. Output consisted of education towards excellence and improved performance of the students as the result of the work of subsystems. The application of TQM to improve quality of education in the school system provides a high quality gradient focusing on improvement in student performance in terms of academic achievement, key competencies and scores on achievement tests in reading, critical thinking and writing Key words: Total quality management, school system, primary, application.

Classroom-based Inequalities and Achievement Gaps in First Grade: The Role of Classroom Context and Access to Qualified and Effective Teachers

BackgroundAn enduring question about achievement gaps is, which aspects of schools contribute most? At the early grade levels, when children spend the vast majority of their school day in a single classroom with a single teacher, school inequities that correlate with achievement gaps likely originate within the classroom. This study examined the degree to which three potential sources of classroom-based inequality contribute to reading and math achievement gaps that develop during first grade, including classroom context, access to a qualified teachers, and access to an effective teacher. The study also estimated the degree to which these effects are manifested among classrooms within the same school and between classrooms at different schools, which has implications for policy and practice.PopulationA nationally representative sample of first graders from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study was used. An important feature of ECLS data is that students were administered reading and math achievement tests near the beginning and near the end of first grade. This sampling design allows for the estimation of student achievement gains during first grade that does not include the summer period, which has confounded past efforts to study achievement gaps.Research DesignMultilevel models were used to estimate classroom-specific and school-specific random effects (i.e., residuals), which are conceptualized as within- and between-school classroom effects. These random effects were then used as outcomes to estimate the degree to which within- and between-school classroom effects contribute to Black–White and Hispanic– White achievement gaps that develop during first grade. Covariates for classroom context, access to a qualified teacher, and access to an effective teacher were entered into the model hierarchically to isolate their effects on the gaps.ConclusionsClassroom inequality within and between schools contributed substantially to achievement gaps that developed during first grade. Inequality in contextual aspects of classrooms was the most prominent school-based factor, the majority of which originated from classrooms in different schools rather than classrooms in the same school. However, compared to White children attending the same school, Black children tended to be members of a classroom with more negative contextual characteristics and a less effective teacher. This within-school inequity likely stems from non-random assignment of students to teachers. Finally, Black and Hispanic children were slightly less likely to be taught by a highly qualified teacher. However, that inequity did not significantly contribute to achievement gaps.

The Development of Antonym Knowledge in American Sign Language (ASL) and Its Relationship to Reading Comprehension in English

It is unknown if the developmental path of antonym knowledge in deaf children increases continuously with age and correlates with reading comprehension, as it does in hearing children. In the current study we tested 564 students aged 4–18 on a receptive multiple‐choice American Sign Language (ASL) antonym test. A subgroup of 138 students aged 7–18 took the Stanford Achievement Test reading comprehension test. The results showed that antonym knowledge depended more strongly on age for deaf children with deaf parents than for deaf children with hearing parents. This indicates more developmentally typical acquisition for deaf children with deaf parents, consistent with early natural language exposure. Multiple regressions demonstrated that ASL antonym knowledge eliminated the advantage of deaf parents for reading. This establishes a language effect of ASL on reading comprehension in English.

Unemployment insurance effects on child academic outcomes: Results from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth

Despite evidence linking parental unemployment spells and negative child outcomes, there is very little research that explores how participation in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program could buffer these effects. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 79 (NLSY79) and Children of the NLSY79 data, we estimate a series of fixed effects and instrumental variables models to estimate the relationship between UI participation and the Peabody Individual Achievement Test (math and reading comprehension). Once we control for the non-random selection process into UI participation, our results suggest a positive relationship between UI participation and PIAT math scores. None of the models suggests a negative influence of UI participation on child outcomes.

Curriculum-Based Measurement as a Predictor of Performance on a State Assessment: Diagnostic Efficiency of Local Norms

With the concurrent emphasis on accountability, prevention, and early intervention, curriculum-based measurement of reading (R-CBM) is playing an increasingly important role in the educational process. This study investigated the differences in diagnostic accuracy and utility between commercial norms and local norms when making high-stakes, local decisions. Scores on Dynamic Indicators of Early Literacy Skills Oral Reading Fluency for 1,374 students in Grades 2 to 5 were used to predict outcomes the Georgia reading achievement test, the Criterion Referenced Competency Tests. Local norms were generated using logistic regression and receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. The generated cut scores were compared to the commercial norms for differences in diagnostic efficiency. The generated cut scores were lower than the commercial norms and had improved diagnostic efficiency. Implications related to educational policy and the use of R-CBM are discussed.

The Academic Diligence Task (ADT): assessing individual differences in effort on tedious but important schoolwork

The current study reports on the development and validation of the Academic Diligence Task (ADT), designed to assess the tendency to expend effort on academic tasks which are tedious in the moment but valued in the long-term. In this novel online task, students allocate their time between solving simple math problems (framed as beneficial for problem solving skills) and, alternatively, playing Tetris or watching entertaining videos. Using a large sample of high school seniors (N = 921), the ADT demonstrated convergent validity with self-report ratings of Big Five conscientiousness and its facets, self-control and grit, as well as discriminant validity from theoretically unrelated constructs, such as Big Five extraversion, openness, and emotional stability, test anxiety, life satisfaction, and positive and negative affect. The ADT also demonstrated incremental predictive validity for objectively measured GPA, standardized math and reading achievement test scores, high school graduation, and college enrollment, over and beyond demographics and intelligence. Collectively, findings suggest the feasibility of online behavioral measures to assess noncognitive individual differences that predict academic outcomes.

The Relationship between English and Persian Phonological Awareness, Rapid Autamatized Naming and Students’ Reading Achievement in Partial Immersion and Non-Immersion Programs

The cognitive predictors (i.e.,Phonological Awareness, and Rapid Automatized Naming) underlying reading achievement have not been researched in Iranian partial English immersion and non-immersion programs. The present study sought to investigate the relationship between English and Persian Phonological Awareness (PA), Rapid Autamatized Naming (RAN) and reading achievementof Iranian students in partial immersion and non-immersion programs. To this end, one hundred forty five students from three different grade levels in a partial English immersion program and 95 students from three different grade levels in a non-immersion program were chosen. Six different English and Persian tests were utilized (namely, the Cambridge English for Young Learners (YLE) test for Reading,the Persian reading achievement test, the English and Persian Phonological AwarenessSound Detection tests, and the English and Persian Rapid Automatized Naming Tests). Given the design of the study, a number of statistical tests were run. The main findingswere as follows: learners’ reading achievement could significantly be predicted through both English and Persian PA and RAN.Furthermore, learning English in a partial English immersion system improves learners’ reading achievement and cognitive predictors compared with non-immersion program. The findings suggest that by teaching learners PA and RAN skills, their reading achievement improves in both English and Persian.

Parenting Style and Primary School Pupils’ Reading Achievement in South-Western Nigeria

Scholars outside Africa have acknowledged the influence of parenting styles on children's academic achievement in general and language achievement in particular but such studies are inconclusive as they came up with conflicting findings. It is in line with this trend that this ex-post facto research investigated the impact of parenting style in Primary school pupils' Reading Achievement in South-Western Nigeria. The study involved 2400 primary five pupils form 20 randomly sampled public primary schools in South-Western Nigeria. In addition to some research questions, two null hypotheses namely: There is no significant difference in the reading achievement of pupils from different parenting style and there is no significant variation in the reading achievement of male and female pupils from different parenting style. Two instruments viz: parenting style Questionnaire and Reading Achievement Test were used for the study. The results revealed that there is no significant difference in the reading achievement of pupils from different parenting style (F,,wu = 2.22; p&gt;0.05) and that there is variation in the reading achievement of male and female pupils from different parenting style but the variation is not significant (t-value = 0.913, df = 2370, p&gt;0.05). Based on these findings, it is recommended that in the process of reading instruction, teachers at Primary school level in Nigeria should concentrate on other factors that affect pupils' achievement in reading than parenting styles in their effort to improve reading proficiency of their pupils. Key words: Parenting style, reading, achievement, authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent

The Relationship of Physical Fitness, Self-Beliefs, and Social Support to the Academic Performance of Middle School Boys and Girls

We examined the influence of physical and psychosocial variables on math and reading achievement test scores. Between 1 and 5 months prior to taking annual standardized reading and math tests, a sample of ( N = 1,211) sixth through eight graders (53.7% girls; 57.2% White) self-reported levels of physical activity, academic self-beliefs, general self-esteem, and social support and participated in objective testing to obtain measures of body composition (body mass index [BMI]) and cardiorespiratory fitness. Socioeconomic status (SES) and state-based reading and math achievement test scores were provided by the school district. Regression analyses revealed that SES, academic self-beliefs, and cardiorespiratory fitness were the consistent predictors of the students’ performance in reading and math; perceived social support from family and friends and higher levels of self-esteem were related to higher reading scores for the boys only. Our findings support schools re-examining policies that have limited students’ involvement in physical education classes.

Asociación entre factores neuropsicológicos, procesos cognitivos y niveles de lectura en niños de diferente nivel socioeconómico del Callao

La presente investigación buscó aportar en el conocimiento de la posible asociación entre factores neuropsicológicos, procesos cognitivos y procesos de la lectura, en niños de dos niveles socioeconómicos en el Callao, Perú. Se usó un diseño descriptivo correlacional examinándose a 60 niños de escuela privada y pública de niveles socioeconómicos medio alto B y muy bajo E; con la Prueba neuropsicológica infantil de Quintanar- Solovieva, el WISC- IV (test de inteligencia de Weschler) y la Prueba de evaluación de lectura PROLEC- R de Cuetos. Al final, se halló asociación de diverso tipo entre diversos factores neuropsicológicos, procesos cognitivos y procesos de la lectura en los niños de la muestra; así como un rendimiento diferenciado en procesos cognitivos e inteligencia, y en procesos de la lectura a favor de los niños del nivel socioeconómico medio alto B.

Cross-National Differences in Academic Achievement: Why the United States Lags behind Other Rich Nations

This article tests the hypothesis that national differences in academic achievement scores of 15-year-olds in 25 developed nations in 2003, 2006, and 2009 can be explained by national differences in national health and family economic security programs, levels of parental education, and national differences in motivation to strive for high levels of academic achievement. We also test for the additional impact, if any, of national differences in educational system characteristics. We then ask what variables account for the low scores of American students on math, science, and reading achievement tests. More highly developed national family health and economic security programs and higher student levels of motivation for academic achievement in other rich countries help explain why scores in the United States are relatively low. Low academic qualifications and prestige for teachers and a lack of national educational goals also differentiate the United States from nations with higher achievement scores.

The Effects of Approaches to Learning on Student's Reflective and Evaluative Reading Performance in Turkey: The Results from PISA 2009

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of approaches to learning on student's reading performance in Turkey. The data from student background questionnaire and reading achievement test in PISA 2009 was used. The sample of PISA 2009 was constituted of 4996 students. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) techniques were employed because of the nested structure of the data and during the analysis sex and economic, social and cultural status of student was controlled. According to the first research question of, there were significant differences among schools in reflect and evaluate skills. The second research question of analyses for provided information that “meta-cognition strategy; understanding – remembering, summarizing and learning strategies; control and memorization” have significant effects on students’ reflect and evaluate achievement. This research question is stated that “meta-cognition strategy; understanding - remembering and summarizing and learning strategies; control and memorization” have significant effects on students’ reflect and evaluate achievement.

Adolescentes chilenos de estratos sociales superiores con baja competencia lectora

The article examines a little-studied phenomenon: the existence of students from privileged social strata who have poor learning outcomes. We argue their theoretical interest and proposes some elements for understanding from empirical data. Using logistic regression, we analyze the factors associated with Chilean students of high socio-economic status, who scored low on the test of reading achievement from PISA 2009. The model variables of students had greater predictive power than the school. We discuss how these results hint at the action of the families..