The Science of Reading
Since the National Reading Panel Report published its report in 2000, interdisciplinary research from multiple fields including cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and education has culminated into the body of knowledge commonly referred to as the Science of Reading.
This empirical research explains how the brain learns to read and informs best practices for evidence-based reading instruction. A metanalysis undertaken by the National Reading Panel identified five essential components of effective reading instruction as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and text comprehension.
As states implement policies and curricular enhancements to align with best practices, Evaluation Systems provides educator credentialing assessments to help states verify that prospective educators have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to teach the essential components of reading instruction.
Reading Essentials
Evaluation Systems assessments, Foundation of Reading and Reading Specialist, measure candidates' understanding of the Science of Reading and evidence-based approaches to reading instruction.
FoR
Reading Literacy Instructional Assessment Exam
The Foundations of Reading exam is the gold standard for evidence-based literacy instruction. Using classroom-based scenarios, the test ensures that beginning educators have the knowledge and skills to deliver reading instruction that creates an equitable learning environment which benefits all students, and which supports their development of essential literacy skills.
The Foundations of Reading test assesses candidates’ knowledge and skills related to scientifically based reading instruction. In addition to multiple choice items, the two open response items require candidates to demonstrate the ability to interpret assessment data, diagnose students' reading errors and reading comprehension difficulties, and plan appropriate, effective, evidence-based reading instruction to address the given students' needs.
The Foundations of Reading test allows educator candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their situational judgement and thinking skills in the areas of:
- oral language and writing strategies
- academic language
- spelling
- analysis of complex literacy and information text
- the five components of reading development
The test also assesses educator candidates’ readiness to support and engage all types of learners, including English language learners, student experiencing reading difficulties, special needs learners, and advanced reading learners.
Evaluations Systems offers centralized access to all support resources, robust preparation materials, and in-person and remote testing.
Foundations of Reading States & Required Credentialing Areas
RSE
Reading Specialist Exam
The Reading Specialist exam assesses candidates’ knowledge and skills related to scientifically based reading instruction and assessment. The K-12 test framework addresses all stages of students’ reading progress. The exam includes the development of emergent literacy and phonological awareness skills and reading and comprehending complex academic texts which include content-specific tier three vocabulary and advanced language structures.
Additionally, the exam requires candidates to demonstrate understanding of evidence-based approaches for teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students, the identification and instruction of students with reading difficulties, and the neurobiological and cognitive factors that may affect students’ reading development. Candidates must also demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of assessment concepts and an understanding of collaborative leadership and adult learning theories.
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