Determining Appropriate Reading Levels

Each student has three different reading levels: Independent Level, Instructional Level and Frustration Level. It is helpful to know your child's reading level to assist with their reading development. I provide an informal reading inventory (QRI-4) to help find these levels.

The independent level is the reading level in which the student reads without assistance. The student should be relaxed, reading with fluency, free from finger pointing, reading with 90% reading comprehension and displaying word recognition at 98%. The independent level is the level to use for pleasure-reading.

At the instruction level, the student can read with assistance from the teacher. Reading may be less fluent at this level, but there should be rhythm and expression. Accurate word recognition should be at 95% and reading comprehension should be at 70%. Classroom materials are likely to be chosen from this level. Concepts and words will be introduced which may be unfamiliar. The instruction level necessitates interaction with the teacher. Ideally, the instruction level will be (at a minimum) on the child's chronological grade level.

The last level, frustration, is a rather obvious level. The student is unable to read the material with accuracy or comprehension. The student will display tension, lack of fluency and minimal word recognition. This level should be avoided by teachers.

If you are interested in having your child's reading level tested, please contact me at raisingreaders.estes@gmail.com.

Happy reading,
Susanne