Testing is done with students to determine their strengths and weaknesses. With the full knowledge that testing alone cannot completely determine a child's reading potential, testing is used as a guide to give the teacher an idea of the student's reading level and what areas the teacher needs to teach more of or less of. Diagnostic testing is supplemented with other testing forms to help give a teacher a well-rounded idea of a student's reading ability. Teachers often use tests corresponding to the needs of the students. Multiple choice, compare/contrast and identifying relationships should be included within diagnostic testing.
Teachers often use class observation checklists to help them to observe student behaviors on a regular basis. Items on a checklist may include "Reads Fluently," "Makes Reading Predictions," "Reads Aloud in Class," "Participates in Reading Discussions" and "Uses the Context of the Sentence" to help a teacher to evaluate a student's reading level. Teachers often use observation checklists with small group reading and listening exercises.
A portfolio assessment includes a compilation of writing and reading samples the teacher has collected from a student over a period of weeks or months. Collections within the portfolio folder are analyzed for growth in and challenges relating to reading development. Students participate in portfolio assessments to trace their reading ability and use it within a variety of contexts. Portfolio assessment samples may contain journal samples, a list of books read, speeches or book reports read aloud or given, book summaries, oral and listening activities and written activities. Portfolios follow the child from one grade to the other, including forms used for each student, with questions the teacher fills out about the student's reading abilities.
Teachers sometimes create a Peer Assessment Form, complete with questions such as, "Did the student read to page 49?" or "Did the student correctly pronounce the word "couch?" The peer assessments are created to be a positive assessment that all students in the classroom can accomplish with a solid try. Students evaluate each other as they read to their peers. Students evaluating give their peer a sticker or a smiley face on the paper for achieving all correct answers. The Peer Assessment Form is used as a tool to boost self-esteem.