How are words selected to appear on the word lists on the Screening Section in grades 1-3?
Words included on the screening word lists are selected based on their ability to predict end of year reading performance. When TPRI field tests are conducted, students read a range of words of varying difficulty levels. Only some of the words that students read are selected to be included on the screening word lists. The words that are selected to appear on the screening task are chosen because, as a set, they were the most reliable words for dividing students into two categories: SD (may be at risk for reading difficulty) or D (likely not at risk for reading difficulty). The particular phonic elements or qualities of the words is considered when creating the pool of words to field test, but it does not factor significantly into the decision about what words will appear on the screenings.
