Using the Test of Silent Reading Efficiency and Comprehension (TOSREC) as an Initial Response to Intervention Screen: A Practical Alternative for Urban Schools

• In Event: 56.082 - Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: 56.082-3 - Current Issues in School-Based Assessment

Abstract

Screening tools for response-to-intervention (RTI) should be reliable, valid and practical, accurately identify risk, and have high consequential validity. The district in which we conduct research uses the DRA-2, which lacks sufficient reliability, validity, and practicality. Compared to the DRA-2, the Test of Silent Reading Efficiency and Comprehension (TOSREC) is practical and has adequate reliability and validity. We compared both tests on the ability to distinguish students at-risk for reading failure in 39 second graders, in one urban school. Analyses of DRA-2 and TOSREC scores revealed comparable sensitivity, specificity, and classification accuracy. Adjustments, for indiscriminant application of DRA-2 scores in determining eligibility for RTI, revealed higher sensitivity for the TOSREC. Findings suggest that TOSREC can be a viable screening alternative.

Authors

• Cheryl C. Durwin, Southern Connecticut State University

• Dina L. Moore, Southern Connecticut State University

• Deborah A Carroll, Southern Connecticut State University