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Reading Observation Assignment
Guidelines and Rubric
General Guidelines
1. Conduct three systematic observations of a single fledgling or developing reader (consider
the reader… can they also make a solid attempt at the cloze passage and Names Test?);
record the reading strategies and behaviors you observe using one of the record-keeping
systems described in chapter 6, subsection “Recording Observations.” These observations
are in addition to the cloze passage and Names Test. Observations should be in a
less formal setting than an assessment setting.
2. Create an appropriate cloze passage that represents the grade level of the student you have
observed. Have that same student complete the passage. Draw conclusions about the
subject’s comprehension and instructional reading level. (Procedures to create the
passage are included in resources provided in the Cloze Passage/NamesTest Resources
Folder; some specific guidelines provided might seem inappropriate for your candidate. If
this is the case, please contact the instructor to discuss alternative parameters.)
3. Administer and score the Names Test to the same reader following the procedures provided
in Learning Module 2. Draw conclusions about the decoding strategies the subject
used.
4. Write a narrative summary of your observations and assessments of the student that
provides clear descriptions and explanations of the student’s behaviors while reading
(observations), and identifies strengths and weaknesses ascertained through the two
assessments. Be as specific and intentional as possible in your narrative description of the
reader.
5. Next, describe an instruction plan to address the strengths and weaknesses. Approach this
assignment from this perspective…The narrative you write will replace the grade generally
recorded on the student’s report card. You want the narrative to provide specific and useful
information that informs parents of strengths and weaknesses related to the student’s
reading abilities. It should also explain how your instruction will address the needs of the
student moving forward.
6. Submit your observation record sheets, cloze passage documentation, Name Test protocol
and score sheets with an analysis of the student’s decoding strengths and weaknesses, and
your narrative with the instructional plan as attachments to the grade book through the link
provided. The record sheets, cloze passage, and Names Test results will need to be
scanned to your computer for submission.
Scoring Guidelines
Points available: 100.
Component Unacceptable
0 points
Acceptable
5 points
Target
10 points
Observation Records Fewer than three
observations are
recorded; notes are
Three observations
are recorded; notes
are limited and/or
Three observations
are recorded; thorough
notes that describe