Using the Early Grade Reading Barometer to support the setting of benchmarks and targets for reading outcomes

• In Event: Rethinking early grade reading benchmarks: Innovations in setting oral reading fluency standards

Proposal

Objectives or purpose: The Barometer offers a dynamic tool for interactive use of data on early grade reading outcomes. The ability to look at how the data are impacted by different parameters, like the level at which a reading benchmark is set, allows users to consider what benchmark and target for students achieving that benchmark in the near term may or may not be realistic. Furthermore, when such data are available, the Barometer also allows users to review the impact of interventions that have contributed to improving reading outcomes, and then factor in whether they can expect those kinds of improvements in the future, given the different investments and initiatives underway in their countries. The presentation will be a short demonstration of these two features of the Barometer – target setting and considering the impact of previous or current interventions.

Theoretical Framework / Rationale: As assessments like EGRA have proliferated, helping governments and stakeholders in the education sector easily access, make use of and draw on the results of those assessments has gained importance. The Barometer offers a dynamic alternative to reading a dense research report, allowing users to look at the data that is relevant to the policy question under consideration, such as the setting of benchmarks and targets for reading achievement.

Scholarly significance, originality and/or creativity of the study or work: The Barometer is one of only a few web-based applications that make consistently and rigorously compiled and analyzed data on early grade reading outcomes available to all interested parties. The implications are particularly strong for target setting and understanding benchmarks in relation to program impact.

Author

• Joseph Destefano, RTI International