Reading Profiles Research Articles

Do reading comprehension assessment tests result in the same reading profile? A study of Spanish primary school children

BackgroundDetecting reading comprehension difficulties is challenging because many factors are involved in comprehension ability. Various reading comprehension tests can be used to detect difficulties but often do not yield the same results.MethodOur aim was to analyse the agreement between three commonly used standardised reading comprehension tests (ECOMPLEC, ACL and PROLEC‐R) in the detection of reading comprehension difficulties in Spanish. A total of 139 children (72 fifth graders and 67 sixth graders) at the same public‐sector school participated in this study. The three reading comprehension tests were administered, together with word and nonword reading, vocabulary and nonverbal intelligence measures.ResultsModest intercorrelations among the tests were found. The consistency of classification for each reading profile across the three reading comprehension tests was low. The results show different reading comprehension profiles depending on the test used.ConclusionsIt is important to use more than one instrument to diagnose reading comprehension difficulties, due to the complexity involved. Furthermore, knowledge of the characteristics of each reading comprehension test is essential to the choice of test. The educational implications of children being wrongly diagnosed are discussed.

A Synthesis of Elementary Mathematics Interventions: Comparisons of Students With Mathematics Difficulty With and Without Comorbid Reading Difficulty

In this synthesis, we reviewed 65 studies involving elementary students (i.e., grades 1–5) identified with mathematics difficulty (MD) in which authors implemented a mathematics intervention. Of these studies, we identified 33 group designs, 9 quasi-experimental designs, and 23 single-case designs. We aimed to synthesize performance differences between students with MD with and without reading difficulty (RD). We identified three categories of students for analysis: Students with MD+RD, MD-alone, or MD-nonspecified (i.e., no reading information provided). Overall, 80% of studies included students with MD-nonspecified, and the interventions for these students demonstrated strong effects. For the limited number of studies with students with MD+RD or MD-alone, intervention effects were strong for students with MD+RD and variable for students with MD-alone. In the three studies directly comparing the performance of students with MD+RD versus MD-alone, we noted differential patterns of performance. To tailor interventions to student need, more research must be conducted to understand whether students with MD with variable reading profiles respond differentially to mathematics intervention.

A Developmental Examination of Narrative Writing in EL and EL1 School Children Who Are Typical Readers, Poor Decoders, or Poor Comprehenders

This longitudinal study examined story-writing development of students from Grade 4 to Grade 6, comparing the developmental trajectories of English as a first language (EL1s; n = 43) and English learners (ELs; n = 108) in general, and in groups of EL1s and ELs with typically developing and poor reader profiles. In relation to their EL1 or EL reference group, students were classified in Grade 4 as typical readers (n = 72), poor decoders (n = 53), or poor comprehenders (n = 26), with EL1s and ELs proportionally represented in each group. The effects of language, grade level, and reading group on story-writing measures were examined. Both EL1s and ELs developed story-writing skills in a similar manner, showing significant growth between Grades 4 and 6. Typically developing ELs attained age-appropriate story-writing levels. Poor decoders and poor comprehenders showed similar profiles of strengths and weaknesses, regardless of whether English was their first or second language. Both poor reader groups had significant difficulties in story-writing, struggling with the mechanics of writing, sentence structure, and story organization. Findings are discussed in terms of the interconnected relationship between reading and writing profiles, and the importance of a comprehensive understanding of sources of learning difficulties in ELs and EL1s.

Leitura em voz alta: variação linguística e o sucesso na aprendizagem inicial da leitura

In an interface between psycholinguistics and sociolinguistics, considering stylistic monitoring (speech à oral activities à reading aloud) and the necessary conditions for early literacy, this paper presents the reading profiles of 3rd grade students from elementary school and relates them to performance on a reading comprehension test and to the occurrence of variable features of speech in reading aloud. The results show that the reading aloud which presents variable features of speech cannot be considered “inaccurate”; instead, these features occurred only in proficient and word-to-word types of reading, and only by students who reached higher levels on the test.

A Cross-Linguistic Examination of Heterogeneous Reading Profiles of Spanish-Speaking Bilingual Students

Research with English monolinguals has identified key subskills of reading comprehension that can differentiate subgroups of readers. There remains a dearth of research examining these subskills in Spanish-speaking bilingual students, and few studies have identified subgroups of readers whose home language is Spanish. This study used latent profile analysis to identify three distinct reader profiles of Spanish-speaking bilingual students based on Spanish and English word reading and vocabulary measures and examined profile differences in Spanish and English reading comprehension. The profiles were primarily distinguished by Spanish measures and were labeled “balanced Spanish and English,” “average English/low Spanish expressive Language,” and “English dominant.” All three profiles scored significantly differently in Spanish reading comprehension. The balanced Spanish and English profile scored higher than the English-dominant profile in English reading comprehension. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Visual processing speed as a marker of immaturity in lexical but not sublexical dyslexia

A visual attention span (VAS) deficit has been widely reported in the Developmental Dyslexia (DD) literature, however, consensus regarding what underlies this problem and the nature of its relationship with reading ability remains elusive. Thirty-two children with DD (15 females) were compared with 23 age matched (12 females) and 17 reading matched controls (9 females) on the combined Theory of Visual Attention (CombiTVA) paradigm with traditional letter and novel symbol conditions. The DD group performed more slowly than the age matched controls in terms of processing speed, but similarly to reading matched controls. Moderation analyses revealed that the difference between the DD group and age matched controls was driven by children with equivalent, or relatively poorer, lexical compared with sublexical reading profiles. Results suggest that reduced processing speed indexes reading immaturity, particularly in DD individuals with relative lexical reading deficits, rather than being a unique contributor to reading dysfunction.

Exploring Chinese EFL teachers' knowledge and beliefs relating to the teaching of English reading in public primary schools in China.

The present study explored knowledge and beliefs about reading instruction of Chinese teachers teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). Theoretical Orientation to Reading Profile and the Survey of Basic Language Constructs Related to Literacy Acquisition were administered to 262 EFL teachers in the south‐eastern part of China. Additionally, three teachers were interviewed, and their instructional practices were observed. The results showed that there was no correlation between teachers' self‐efficacy beliefs and the performance on the knowledge of basic language construct survey. However, it was found that teachers' knowledge, beliefs, and instructional practices were mediated by the Chinese EFL contextual factors. Educational and practical implications are discussed.

Learning Lexical Information Depends Upon Task, Learning Approach, and Reader Subtype

Learning to read relies upon the integration of phonological, orthographic, and semantic information. However, no studies have investigated how children with varying reading abilities learn phonological-orthographic (PO) and semantic aspects of novel words as a function of both learning approach (LA; e.g., learning new words in isolation or context) and outcome (fluency or comprehension). In this study, 45 children participated in three tasks that differentially tested PO and semantic attributes of novel pseudo-words learned through two learning approaches. Children were classified into groups as having dyslexia (DYS), having specific reading comprehension deficits (S-RCDs), or being typically developing readers (TD). Differences were found between groups, with S-RCD poorer than TD on semantic but not PO components of learning. Children with DYS displayed impaired results on both semantic and PO learning but showed an interaction on task by LA performance. Specifically, in the DYS group, isolation LA yielded better performance on PO learning, while context LA was better for semantic learning. These results indicate that (a) children with S-RCDs have a unique learning profile that is dissociable from DYS and TD and (b) reading impairments are not static but rather influence acquisition of reading skill in different ways, depending on reading profile.

Can educational technology effectively differentiate instruction for reader profiles?

Teachers are responsible for identifying and instructing an increasingly diverse population of student readers. Advances in educational technology may facilitate differentiated instruction. Using data from a large, population-based sample of third-grade students, we investigated what works for whom in technology-based literacy instruction. We classified 594 students into four reader subgroups or profiles based on two scores from a readily-available, commonly-used progress monitoring tool (aimsweb©). Using this simple and accessible method, we identified profiles of readers that resemble the poor decoder, poor comprehender, mixed deficit, and typical reader subgroups found in past studies that used extensive test batteries or advanced statistics. We then employed nonparametric analyses to examine both proximal and distal outcomes across one academic year. First, we compared the relative progress of reader profiles on a technology-based reading program (Lexia® Core5® Reading). Second, we determined whether each reader profile made gains on aimsweb at the end of the year. We found that Core5 effectively differentiated online instruction and contributed to improved aimsweb performance for most reader profiles. The findings from this study help inform educational best practices for efficient identification of and effective intervention for all students.

From the Editors

From the Editors

Longitudinal stability of reading profiles in individuals with higher functioning autism.

The reading difficulties of individuals with autism spectrum disorders have been established in the literature, with particular attention drawn toward reading comprehension difficulties. Recent papers have highlighted the heterogeneous nature of reading abilities in this population by utilizing statistical methods that allow for investigations of unique reading profiles. This article extends this literature by investigating reading profiles longitudinally, to investigate the stability of reader profiles across time. Latent profile and transition analyses were conducted to establish categorically distinct reading profiles at two time points, 30 months apart. This study also examined whether age and autism symptom severity were related to the profiles at each time point. Finally, transitions between profiles at each time point were identified. Age did not predict profile membership, but there were significant differences in symptom severity that were largely stable over time. Results indicate that heterogeneous reading profiles exist within the autism population, ranging from average reading ability to severe difficulties across different reading subskills. The data from this study demonstrate that reading profiles of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders shift when examined across time.

Reading Development in Children With Cochlear Implants Who Communicate via Spoken Language: A Psycholinguistic Investigation.

Purpose This study sought to comprehensively examine the reading skills and subskills of children with cochlear implants (CIs) and gain insight into the processes underlying their early reading development. Method Fourteen 6- to 9-year-old children with CIs were assessed on a range of reading and spoken language measures. Their performances were compared to a control group of 31 children with normal hearing (NH) of the same chronological and mental age. Group differences were examined using t tests and regression modeling. Results Children with CIs performed significantly worse than children with NH on reading accuracy, phonological processing, and spoken language tasks. The predominant predictor of reading comprehension was word reading accuracy for the CI group and listening comprehension for the NH group. Word reading profiles were similar across groups, with orthographic and phonological processing skills both contributing significant variance. Conclusions Children with CIs demonstrated more early reading difficulties than their peers with NH. As predicted by the Simple View of Reading model, successful reading comprehension for all children related to skills in listening comprehension and word recognition. The CI group's increased reliance on word reading accuracy when comprehending written text may stem from reduced word recognition automaticity. Despite showing reduced reading accuracy, children with CIs appeared to draw on orthographic and phonological skills to a similar degree as children with NH when reading words in isolation.

The consistency and cognitive predictors of children's oral language, reading, and math learning profiles

Efforts to understand learning disorders in children by focusing on specific domains and within restricted ability ranges have failed to identify consistent and stable learning profiles. Given evidence for dimensional distribution of oral language, reading, and mathematical skills among those identified with and without learning disorders, examining learning across a range of abilities and domains should provide a better estimate of learning profiles. The present study examined the 1-year stability of cross-domain learning profiles and associated cognitive characteristics of 327 children. Results revealed highly stable profiles with 95% of participants remaining in the same learning profiles across data years. Generally similar performance across domains was observed for three profiles (below average, average, above average) comprising 63% of the sample, with relatively specific differences in oral language or reading characterizing the remaining profiles. Cognitive measures and teacher ratings accurately predicted learning profile in about 55% of participants either at the time of testing or in the following year. The most effective models for categorizing learning profiles all included teacher ratings of reading. Cognitive measures of verbal working memory, verbal intelligence, phonological awareness, symbolic comparison, and visuospatial working memory were also important contributors to classification. The findings indicate that examining learning across domains, abilities, and time has the potential to inform our conceptualization of learning disorders and associated cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Mediators of Reading Motivation Among Filipino Collegiate Students

In literacy development, the affective conditions are equally important as the cognitive conditions. However, the role of motivation, an essential affective component of the reading process and what drives it are often overlooked specially among adolescent readers. Using an ethnographic approach, this paper identifies mediators of reading motivation among collegiate learners through analyses of online journals, reading profiles, and transcribed interviews of 17 Filipino collegiate students. The study draws largely from the reading model of Guthrie and Wigfield (2000) and Kozulin’s (2003) discussion of mediated learning based on Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory. Results showed that psychological and emotional satisfaction, prosocial goals, prevailing social values, and multi-modal learning experiences were the prime drivers of motivation to read among adolescent readers. The findings of this study underscore the importance of understanding and knowing what teenagers read, why they read, and what engages them to read. Such knowledge will inform instructional decisions on selection of learning resources and literacy activities that are engaging and relevant to adolescent learners’ experiences, needs, and goals.

Current profiles and early predictors of reading skills in school-age children with autism spectrum disorders: A longitudinal, retrospective population study

This study explores current reading profiles and concurrent and early predictors of reading in children with autism spectrum disorder. Before the age of 3 years, the study cohort underwent a neurodevelopmental assessment following identification in a population-based autism screening. At age 8 years, reading, language and cognition were assessed. Approximately half of the sample (n = 25) were 'poor readers' at age 8 years, meaning that they scored below the normal range on tests of single word reading and reading comprehension. And 18 were 'skilled readers' performing above cut-offs. The final subgroup (n = 10) presented with a 'hyperlexic/poor comprehenders' profile of normal word reading, but poor reading comprehension. The 'poor readers' scored low on all assessments, as well as showing more severe autistic behaviours than 'skilled readers'. Group differences between 'skilled readers' and 'hyperlexics/poor comprehenders' were more subtle: these subgroups did not differ on autistic severity, phonological processing or non-verbal intelligence quotient, but the 'hyperlexics/poor comprehenders' scored significantly lower on tests of oral language. When data from age 3 were considered, no differences were seen between the subgroups in social skills, autistic severity or intelligence quotient. Importantly, however, it was possible to identify oral language weaknesses in those that 5 years later presented as 'poor readers' or 'hyperlexics'.

The science and poetry in learning (and teaching) to read

Because reading is not a natural process like language, young learners must be taught to read. Knowledge about how the reading brain develops has critical implications for understanding which teaching methods to use and helps reconceptualize previous debates. In this excerpt from Reader Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, Maryanne Wolf describes how many different parts of the brain must work together when reading and why each requires attention in teaching. She delves into research into different reader profiles, each of which needs different emphases in reading instruction, and she explains the value of teaching approaches that include both explicit instruction in decoding and deep reading processes, and engagement by learner and teacher with the world of words and stories.

The efficacy of a whole language approach to ESL teaching in an under-graduate classroom

This article examines English Second Language (ESL) students’ access to knowledge through early literacy textbased readings in an under graduate classroom. A basic qualitative research design was selected to understand how students perceive and sustain learning through text-based readings while using a whole language approach toward teaching. Twenty-nine students were engaged in a survey to determine their Theoretical Orientation to Reading Profile (TORP). Fourteen students responded to focus group interviews. This article argues particularly for the adoption of textbased readings as a teaching strategy for English Language Learning (ELL) in early childhood teacher training. The results of this TORP survey indicate that much work needs to be done in order to support under graduate students’ exposure to skills and strategies for effective ESL education. The narratives of students’ revealed reading gains as a result of their increased interaction with reading texts, the English Second Language (ESL) challenges, and changing perceptions in terms of reading and the understanding of English reading texts in meaningful ways. The results also highlight students’ ELL challenges in terms of low self-efficacy and lack of confidence to speak English. The study recommends further research on ESL teaching to carefully document the outcomes of English Language Learning within Namibian multilingual teacher training contexts.Keywords: English Second Language, whole language, training, reading, multilingual contexts

Digging Deeper: Understanding the Reading and Motivational Profiles of Students Who Do Not Demonstrate Proficiency on State-Mandated Reading Assessments

This study evaluated the reading and motivational profiles of 187, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who failed their state-mandated reading assessment. Students completed reading assessments and the Motivation for Reading Questionnaire. Overall, student performances were below grade-level expectations, with the greatest discrepancy occurring between narrative and expository comprehension. While the reading factors were similar to other studies, the motivation factors failed to identify an avoidance factor. When motivation and reading were combined, the profiles changed, underscoring the importance of providing interventions based on both reading and motivational. Discussion focuses on the implications for designing interventions to support overall reading development.

Choral conductors to stage! What kind of learning do they claim to promote during choir rehearsal?

Current research on choral practice has studied various aspects of interpretation and different strategies for improving rehearsal. This article considers the amateur choral rehearsal as a setting for teaching and learning music. It analyses choir conductor profiles that may be related to conceptions of teaching and learning and their possible relationship with the implicit theories of teaching and learning. A questionnaire was administered to 41 conductors, considering three variables (expert/non-expert, teacher/non-teacher, and children’s/adult choir conductor). Quantitative evaluation through different cluster analyses showed three conductor profiles: Traditionals, including conductors who use little supervision, few different ways of representation other than corporeal, poor difficulty management and greater use of repetition during the rehearsal; a Focus on Reading profile, conductors who, in addition to using moderately complex processes, rely heavily on reading the score; and finally a Focus on Learning and Representation profile including non-experts and teachers, who use different representation modes in the rehearsal (corporeal, audio, visual, combined) and other complex processes such as transferring learning or metacognition. We also found significant differences among conductors for score processing levels. Finally, some features common to all three profiles characterise the choral environment as a peculiar field of musical learning, which may suggest some strategies for learning music.

Differential effect of reading training on functional connectivity in children with reading difficulties with and without ADHD comorbidity

A comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with reading difficulties (RD) is common in children. However, children with ADHD+RD have a different reading and executive functions (EF) profile than children with RD alone. We compared the effect of an EF-based intervention on neural circuits related to EF in children with RD and those with ADHD+RD. Functional connectivity MRI data from a lexical decision task suggest that the RD-alone group showed greater improvement in EF and reading tests and greater functional connectivity between networks related to both higher-and lower-level visual processing and those related to ventral attention and dorsal attention, as well as semantic processing. Children with ADHD+RD showed greater connectivity between networks related to attention and dorsal attention and those related to visual processing and EF. Results are consistent with the Cognitive Subtype hypothesis and suggest that RD and ADHD+RD, although related behaviourally, are distinct disorders with regard to network response and connectivity during reading and after an EF-based intervention.