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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think "reading age" assessments are a waste of time?

34 replies

NotaDisneyMum · 27/02/2012 13:47

It strikes me that reading age tests treat DC's like nothing more than performing dogs!

OP posts:
Oggy · 27/02/2012 14:04

I know nothing about reading age assessments but I want to say YANBU anyway.

I hate all things related to reading assessment, including reading schemes and associated levels etc.

Kids should be developing their ability to enjoy reading. If they enjoy reading they will keep reading and seeking out more challenging material because it will be more interesting and enjoyable.

The school reading scheme is sucking all the joy out of reading for my son as far as I can see.

Sorry, that i smore of a side rant than an answer to your question.

CogitoErgoSometimes · 27/02/2012 14:14

YABU.... being able to decipher and pronounce the word is essential. Knowing what the word means in context is secondary. I remember, as a kid, my reading test ending when I came up against the word 'champagne'... Knew what champagne was but, of course, it doesn't conform to English phonics rules so I couldn't pronounce it.

VikingLady · 27/02/2012 14:41

It can be very useful. DM was very worried about DB as a kid, because he would not read. School couldn't get him to sit quietly with books, and neither could we, even sitting on DM's lap for a bedtime story. It looked very like he could not read. He had a reading age test when he was 9, and it came back that he had an adult reading age - he just wasn't interested.

The relief! And it meant that school could cancel all the special measures they were planning on starting for him, and just try to motivate him more. An extreme example, but it happens.

WibblyBibble · 27/02/2012 15:35

God forbid kids should think they are good at anything academic rather than only caring about being attention seeking little popstar-alikes and which birthday parties they get invited to. Terribly damaging.

Original poster
NotaDisneyMum · 27/02/2012 16:58

But what are they actually good at? Certainly an eight year old DC with a reading age of 14 may have the ability to pronounce the words printed in the Guardian; but he doesn't understand it anymore than my dogs understand what i mean when I give them verbal commands Confused
I don't see the point of learning by rote Blush

OP posts:
complexnumber · 27/02/2012 17:07

You are aware these have been going on for decades.

I remember my own test back in the 60's; I tripped up at rhythm.

(I'm still not 100% sure how to spell it)

DP is outraged that she managed to get through all the words that she was given, but Alastair Bailey was given a higher score than her because he was 2 months younger (and he made 2 mistakes!!)

Original poster
NotaDisneyMum · 27/02/2012 17:12

complex I'm sure they have - but I don't think as much emphasis was placed on them hundreds of years ago when I was at school; they seem to be something to celebrate as a huge achievement now when actually, without comprehension to go alongside it, it is useless as a skill Blush

OP posts:
SunflowersSmile · 27/02/2012 17:16

I agree with all saying comprehension is more important than simply knowing how to pronounce a word. I am surprised if reading levels/ age would be established simply through reading a list these days.

complexnumber · 27/02/2012 17:39

Actually, there was quite a fuss made about them 40 years ago, which is probably why I still remember sitting next to the teacher (the lovely Miss Tuxford) and reading the list.

I don't have the stats to support my opinion, so maybe I should stay quiet. But I would be suprised if there is not a very strong correlation between reading level and comprehension.

Original poster
NotaDisneyMum · 27/02/2012 17:51

sunflowers I am reliably informed by two higher than their age readers that it is - in fact, the list is labelled in one case; each line related to a different reading "age" Confused

OP posts:
SunflowersSmile · 27/02/2012 18:03

Oh great NotaDisneyMum - good for some kids egos but not for others!!

abbierhodes · 27/02/2012 18:21

I'm a teacher, I test reading ages twice a year, have done for the last 10 years. It is not done by reading a list.

Sirzy · 27/02/2012 18:27

If its testing how well they read what's the issue? How well you read and your comprehension can both be tested seperately as they are two related but different things.

My recollection of reading age tests was having to read a paragraph which gave reading age. Comprehension was assessed during normal reading activities

ReallyTired · 27/02/2012 18:31

YABU

The art of barking at print is a reasonably important part of learning to read. If a child cannot decode, then they cannot read and they need serious help if they are going to reach their potential in life.

Assessing reading ages is a way to check that a child is making progress in this area of learning to read. Comprehension is tested seperately by comprehension tests.

snowmaiden · 27/02/2012 18:32

Testing reading age is quick, easy and gives a reasonably reliable score. What is exactly wrong with testing it? Reading has to come before comprehension so it is vital to being able to read successfully.

diabolo · 27/02/2012 18:37

Reading age tests are used in my school:

  • as part of the English setting process;
  • to decide whether a child might need a "reader" in, for instance their KS2 Maths papers (the child might be great at maths, but unable to access the paper if their reading age is only say - similar to an average 7 year old, so an adult reads the Maths SAT's questions to them). Perhaps 20 children in our Year 6 need this sort of help;
  • to determine what level of school reading book they need;
  • as a guide when a new child joins, or leaves.

They are necessary, certainly where I work.

RunnyGrobbles · 27/02/2012 18:42

YANBU, reading age is a totally flawed concept. Children in some European countries don't even start learning to read until they are 7/8.

Learning to read involves a very hard part at the start where you discover how reading works, learn to decode letters and sounds, and learn enough words to be able to read basic texts. This can take a year or much longer in many cases.

After that there is a very gradual process of acquiring fkuency and new words. This is affected by so many things such as time spent reading, access to range of reading materials, levels of general knowledge and maturity, whether or not the kid enjoys it... It has very little to do with age.

MrsBovary · 27/02/2012 18:42

My dd had one done years ago when she was five years old. She had to read particular book passages and choose appropriate words to fit blank spaces in the story also.

I'm not sure how useful it was. I had a very good idea of her reading and comprehension ability anyway (having taught her to read) and able to provide with suitable reading material.

Original poster
NotaDisneyMum · 27/02/2012 19:00

diabolo how does reading age relate to understanding Maths tests though?
A DC might be able to read/decode and pronounce the word 'hypotenuse' because they have an adult reading age - but unless they know what it means, they're none the wiser!

OP posts:
Original poster
NotaDisneyMum · 27/02/2012 19:03

Abbie both DD's and DSS's primary schools use this method - confirmed by the staff at recent parents evenings when the DC's achievement in this area was being rammed down our throats repeatedly highlighted!

OP posts:
PathOfLeastResitance · 27/02/2012 19:04

Complex - rhythm
Rhythm
Has
Your
Two
Hips
Moving
I struggled with this word too!

cricketballs · 27/02/2012 19:04

at secondary stage it is of vital importance that staff are aware of reading ages. (There is more than that one type of test highlighted in the op used to determine the age). It is very easy for a student to 'hide' their reading ability and therefore it is imperative in order for support and differentiated teaching to the student's needs to take place

mummytime · 27/02/2012 19:06

It is a quick test, that gives a rule of thumb guide, and at the simplest level is free unlike better comprehension type tests.
If someone has a reading age of 11 they should be able to decode secondary language, if they are lower then obviously they are going to have problems, if you can't decode you aren't going to be able to comprehend either.

seeker · 27/02/2012 19:08

Do they still use that amazing list of words with phthysis on it?

diabolo · 27/02/2012 19:08

NotaDisneyMum

OK - Imagine you are 11, and score 70 in the reading test. This means your reading age is the same as an average 7/8 year old. (For every 10 points you are below 100, you knock off a year)

KS2 Maths test papers include quite challenging words - appropriate for an average 11 year old (who will have been taught what the word "hypotenuse" means and knows what it looks like).

Why should a child who might be able at Maths, but not at reading, be unable to score well on a Maths test, simply because they cannot read/understand all of the words?

That is the thinking behind it anyway, whether people agree or not. It used to happen in KS2 Science tests as well, before they were ditched.

I have to say, I had no idea this happened until I started working in a school some 8 years ago. Many children we have are capable of getting a Level 4 or even 5 in Maths, but only say a Level 2 or 3 in English. With someone else reading the questions to them, the child is then able to apply the mathematical knowledge they have, without any detriment because of their poor reading ability.

English comprehension is tested separately.

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