Download or read book Text Complexity and Reading Comprehension Tests written by Erik Castello and published by Peter Lang. This book was released on 2008 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Based on the analysis of a specially compiled corpus of internationally recognized English as a foreign language (EFL) reading tests at different levels of proficiency, this volume explores the relation between the complexity of written texts and the difficulty of reading comprehension tests. It brings together linguistic investigations into the text-inherent complexity of the tests and a study of the data derived from their administration to groups of Italian university students. The study of text complexity draws on corpus linguistics, text linguistics and systemic functional linguistics. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses are carried out on the language used in the reading texts and in the related tasks that make up the corpus of tests. The assessment of test difficulty, on the other hand, is informed by research on language testing, and, in particular, by findings and methodologies of Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory. Relevant aspects of these theories are used to analyze and interpret both the data obtained from the administration of the tests and the data collected by means of feedback questionnaires completed by test takers. The application of such diverse methodologies and the subsequent comparison of the results of the analyses has brought out interesting correlations between text-inherent complexity, perceived test difficulty and actual test difficulty.
Download or read book The Black White Test Score Gap written by Christopher Jencks and published by Brookings Institution Press. This book was released on 2011-01-01 with total page 546 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: " The test score gap between blacks and whites—on vocabulary, reading, and math tests, as well as on tests that claim to measure scholastic aptitude and intelligence--is large enough to have far-reaching social and economic consequences. In their introduction to this book, Christopher Jencks and Meredith Phillips argue that eliminating the disparity would dramatically reduce economic and educational inequality between blacks and whites. Indeed, they think that closing the gap would do more to promote racial equality than any other strategy now under serious discussion. The book offers a comprehensive look at the factors that contribute to the test score gap and discusses options for substantially reducing it. Although significant attempts have been made over the past three decades to shrink the test score gap, including increased funding for predominantly black schools, desegregation of southern schools, and programs to alleviate poverty, the median black American still scores below 75 percent of American whites on most standardized tests. The book brings together recent evidence on some of the most controversial and puzzling aspects of the test score debate, including the role of test bias, heredity, and family background. It also looks at how and why the gap has changed over the past generation, reviews the educational, psychological, and cultural explanations for the gap, and analyzes its educational and economic consequences. The authors demonstrate that traditional explanations account for only a small part of the black-white test score gap. They argue that this is partly because traditional explanations have put too much emphasis on racial disparities in economic resources, both in homes and in schools, and on demographic factors like family structure. They say that successful theories will put more emphasis on psychological and cultural factors, such as the way black and white parents teach their children to deal with things they do not know or understand, and the way black and white children respond to the same classroom experiences. Finally, they call for large-scale experiments to determine the effects of schools' racial mix, class size, ability grouping, and other policies. In addition to the editors, the contributors include Claude Steele, Ronald Ferguson, William G. Bowen, Philip Cook, and William Julius Wilson. "
Download or read book Free Voluntary Reading written by Stephen D. Krashen and published by Libraries Unlimited. This book was released on 2011-05-18 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This book documents the latest research findings about the success of free voluntary reading in developing high levels of literacy"--Provided by publisher.
Download or read book Reading Comprehension Proficiency Tests written by Virginia A. Arnold and published by . This book was released on 1989 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Allocating Federal Funds for State Programs for English Language Learners written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2011-06-20 with total page 240 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As the United States continues to be a nation of immigrants and their children, the nation's school systems face increased enrollments of students whose primary language is not English. With the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), the allocation of federal funds for programs to assist these students to be proficient in English became formula-based: 80 percent on the basis of the population of children with limited English proficiency1 and 20 percent on the basis of the population of recently immigrated children and youth. Title III of NCLB directs the U.S. Department of Education to allocate funds on the basis of the more accurate of two allowable data sources: the number of students reported to the federal government by each state education agency or data from the American Community Survey (ACS). The department determined that the ACS estimates are more accurate, and since 2005, those data have been basis for the federal distribution of Title III funds. Subsequently, analyses of the two data sources have raised concerns about that decision, especially because the two allowable data sources would allocate quite different amounts to the states. In addition, while shortcomings were noted in the data provided by the states, the ACS estimates were shown to fluctuate between years, causing concern among the states about the unpredictability and unevenness of program funding. In this context, the U.S. Department of Education commissioned the National Research Council to address the accuracy of the estimates from the two data sources and the factors that influence the estimates. The resulting book also considers means of increasing the accuracy of the data sources or alternative data sources that could be used for allocation purposes.
Download or read book Proficiency in Reading Comprehension Simplifying the Passage for you written by Ajay Singh and published by Arihant Publications India limited. This book was released on 2018-02-18 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Proficiency in Reading Comprehension- Simplifying the ‘PASSAGE’ for you is an impeccable combination of more than 200 Fully Solved Passages. The book covers passage from different subjects like, political science, religion, philosophy, economics and various other disciplines. These topics intend to familiarize you with wide range of vocabulary and the insight into different areas of knowledge. This practice book gives considerable section wise experience of comprehending Topical, Small & Large Passages. All of these passages are graded on the parameters of length, complexity and subject matter. A book with the account of Management Entrance Solved Papers 2016-17, that proves highly useful for CAT/MAT/XAT/IIFT/SNAP/CMAT/CET-MBA & Other Management Entrances. Table of Contents Management Entrance Solved Papers 2016-17 Topical Passages, Small Passages, Large Passages
Download or read book LSAT Reading Comprehension written by Manhattan Prep and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2014-03-25 with total page 373 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Designed around the real-world legal applications of reading comprehension, the Manhattan Prep Reading Comprehension LSAT Strategy Guide is an essential tool for a surprisingly tricky part of the LSAT. Containing the best of Manhattan Prep’s expert strategies, this book will train you to approach the LSAT as a law student would approach a legal text—actively and with a purpose. The Reading Comprehension LSAT Strategy Guide teaches you how to recognize the core argument and then use it as a framework on which to organize the entire passage, improving the speed and clarity with which you read. To further improve your reading, it walks you through the process of annotation, discussing where and how to take notes in order to maximize your comprehension without eating up precious time. It also looks at what types of questions the LSAT asks and then arms you with the skills you need to spot issues and identify correct answers. Each chapter in the Reading Comprehension LSAT Strategy Guide features drills and full practice sets—made up of real LSAT questions—to help you absorb and apply what you’ve learned, while numerous, in-depth solutions walk you through the process of selecting the right answer and help you to achieve mastery. Further practice sets and other additional resources are included online and can be accessed through the Manhattan Prep website. Used by itself or with other Manhattan Prep materials, the Reading Comprehension LSAT Strategy Guide will push you to your top score.
Download or read book Vocabulary Knowledge written by Scott Jarvis and published by John Benjamins Publishing. This book was released on 2013-08-14 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Language researchers and practitioners often adopt tools and techniques without testing whether they really work as they should. This is understandable because most scholars do not have the time or expertise to properly evaluate the usefulness of all instruments, measures, and methods they need. It is therefore critical to have problem solvers in the field who gain the necessary expertise and take the time to scrutinize existing methods, identify problems, and offer new solutions. This volume represents the work of scholars who have done this; it is a collection of the latest advances, developments, and innovations regarding the modeling and measurement of learners’ vocabulary growth curves, current levels of vocabulary knowledge and lexical proficiency, and the patterns of lexical diversity found in their language production. Several of the contributors also address the complex but important relationship between automated indices and human judgments of learners’ lexical patterns and abilities.
Download or read book The Knowledge Deficit written by E. D. Hirsch and published by HarperCollins. This book was released on 2007-04-01 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Knowledge Deficit illuminates the real issue in education today -- without an effective curriculum, American students are losing the global education race. In this persuasive book, the esteemed education critic, activist, and best-selling author E.D. Hirsch, Jr., shows that although schools are teaching the mechanics of reading, they fail to convey the knowledge needed for the more complex and essential skill of reading comprehension. Hirsch corrects popular misconceptions about hot issues in education, such as standardized testing, and takes to task educators' claims that they are powerless to overcome class differences. Ultimately, this essential book gives parents and teachers specific tools for enhancing children's abilities to fully understand what they read.
Download or read book Proficiency in Listening and Reading Comprehension written by Hidayet Tuncay and published by Tuncay (Yayıncılık) Publishing. This book was released on with total page 595 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Proficiency in Listening and Reading Comprehension Hidayet TUNCAY The book is intended to help pre-intermediate (CEFR-B1), intermediate (CEFR-B2), upper-intermediate (CEFR-C1) and advanced (CEFR-C2) learners of English who are preparing for proficiency examinations, such as TOEFL, KPDS (Language Proficiency test for Government Employees), FCE (First Certificate in English), CAE (Certificate in Advanced English), University Preparatory School Exemption Tests and mainly the Turkish Army Personnel who will take Genel Dil and ECL (English Comprehension Level). In chapter one, Advanced Reference Grammar Practice covering 10 major sections of the English Language grammar are presented with specific examples and supported with tests and exercises. In the end of this chapter a GATE (Grammar Achievement Test in English) test is given. Chapter two contains a listening part that covers three main sections: intermediate, upper-intermediate and advanced. The passages contain nearly 30 different topics ranging from economy to military and are made up of 42 comprehension passages and 15 paragraphs. To ensure the learners' listening comprehension, almost 300 questions are given. All the passages in this chapter were professionally recorded by 2 native speakers of English. In chapter three, specifically chosen reading comprehension passages are given in four separate sections: intermediate (B1), upper-intermediate (B2), advanced (C1) and authentic (C2). The chapter has been reorganized and new passages are included within 67 passages in almost 30 different topics. Chapter four, Word practice covers academic, scientific, social and TOEFL, Genel Dil and ECL vocabulary. Various exercises and tests are given. Most confused and misused words are covered as well. Chapter five is the testing section which includes practice tests such as 3 English Proficiency Practice Tests with listening sections, 4 vocabulary and reading comprehension based English Screening Tests and 1 Proficiency Practice Test for general English Proficiency. All tests cover 800 questions based on listening, reading, structure and vocabulary related to both technical and social subjects. The book covers various exercises such as 403 comprehensive exercises in the grammar chapter with a complete test of GATE-Grammar Achievement Test in English. 254 open end and multiple choice exercises are in listening comprehension. Reading Comprehension chapter covers 746 comprehensive exercises to improve learners’ reading comprehension. In Word Practice chapter, 198 exercises are given to practice various academic vocabularies which learners may encounter while practicing language for various exams.
Download or read book The Making of Americans written by E. D. Hirsch and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2009-09-15 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the bestselling author of Cultural Literacy, a passionate and cogent argument for reforming the way we teach our children. Why, after decades of commissions, reforms, and efforts at innovation, do our schools continue to disappoint us? In this comprehensive book, educational theorist E. D. Hirsch, Jr. masterfully analyzes how American ideas about education have veered off course, what we must do to right them, and most importantly why. He argues that the core problem with American education is that educational theorists, especially in the early grades, have for the past sixty years rejected academic content in favor of “child-centered” and “how-to” learning theories that are at odds with how children really learn. The result is failing schools and widening inequality, as only children from content-rich (usually better-off) homes can take advantage of the schools’ educational methods. Hirsch unabashedly confronts the education establishment, arguing that a content-based curriculum is essential to addressing social and economic inequality. A nationwide, specific, grade-by-grade curriculum established in the early school grades can help fulfill one of America’s oldest and most compelling dreams: to give all children, regardless of language, religion, or origins, the opportunity to participate as equals and become competent citizens. Hirsch not only reminds us of these inspiring ideals, he offers an ambitious and specific plan for achieving them. “Hirsch’s case is clear and compelling. His book ought to be read by anyone interested in the education and training of the next generation of Americans.”—Glenn C. Altschuler, The Boston Globe “Hirsch once again challenges the prevailing “child-centered” philosophy, championing a return to a “subject-centered” approach to learning.”—Publishers Weekly
Download or read book How The Other Half Learns written by Robert Pondiscio and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2020-06-02 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An inside look at America's most controversial charter schools, and the moral and political questions around public education and school choice. The promise of public education is excellence for all. But that promise has seldom been kept for low-income children of color in America. In How the Other Half Learns, teacher and education journalist Robert Pondiscio focuses on Success Academy, the network of controversial charter schools in New York City founded by Eva Moskowitz, who has created something unprecedented in American education: a way for large numbers of engaged and ambitious low-income families of color to get an education for their children that equals and even exceeds what wealthy families take for granted. Her results are astonishing, her methods unorthodox. Decades of well-intended efforts to improve our schools and close the "achievement gap" have set equity and excellence at war with each other: If you are wealthy, with the means to pay private school tuition or move to an affluent community, you can get your child into an excellent school. But if you are poor and black or brown, you have to settle for "equity" and a lecture--about fairness. About the need to be patient. And about how school choice for you only damages public schools for everyone else. Thousands of parents have chosen Success Academy, and thousands more sit on waiting lists to get in. But Moskowitz herself admits Success Academy "is not for everyone," and this raises uncomfortable questions we'd rather not ask, let alone answer: What if the price of giving a first-rate education to children least likely to receive it means acknowledging that you can't do it for everyone? What if some problems are just too hard for schools alone to solve?
Download or read book Issues in Computer Adaptive Testing of Reading Proficiency written by Micheline Chalhoub-Deville and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1999 with total page 259 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The focus of this book is computer based assessment of the receptive skills.
Download or read book The Nation s Report Card written by and published by . This book was released on 2001 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Frontiers in Language Assessment and Testing written by Vahid Aryadoust and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2020-12-30 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.
Download or read book Reading Comprehension Difficulties written by Cesare Cornoldi and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-04-03 with total page 498 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Recognizing the characteristics of children with learning disabilities and deciding how to help them is a problem faced by schools all over the world. Although some disorders are fairly easily recognizable (e.g., mental retardation) or very specific to single components of performance and quite rare (e.g., developmental dyscalculia), schools must consider much larger populations of children with learning difficulties who cannot always be readily classified. These children present high-level learning difficulties that affect their performance on a variety of school tasks, but the underlying problem is often their difficulty in understanding written text. In many instances, despite good intellectual abilities and a superficial ability to cope with written texts and to use language appropriately, some children do not seem to grasp the most important elements, or cannot find the pieces of information they are looking for. Sometimes these difficulties are not immediately detected by the teacher in the early school years. They may be hidden because the most obvious early indicators of reading progress in the teacher's eyes do not involve comprehension of written texts or because the first texts a child encounters are quite simple and reflect only the difficulty level of the oral messages (sentences, short stories, etc.) with which the child is already familiar. However, as years go by and texts get more complex, comprehension difficulties will become increasingly apparent and increasingly detrimental to effective school learning. In turn, studying, assimilating new information, and many other situations requiring text comprehension -- from problem solving to reasoning with linguistic contents -- could be affected. Problems with decoding, dyslexia, and language disorders have attracted more interest from researchers than have specific comprehension problems and have occupied more room in specialized journals. Normal reading comprehension has also been a favorite with researchers. However, scarce interest has been paid to subjects who have comprehension difficulties. This book is an attempt to remedy this situation. In so doing, this volume answers the following questions: * Does a reading comprehension problem exist in schools? * How important and widespread is the problem? * Is the problem specific? * How can a reading comprehension difficulty be defined and identified? * Does the "syndrome" have a single pattern or can different subtypes be identified? * What are the main characteristics associated with a reading comprehension difficulty? * When can other well-identified problems add to our understanding of reading comprehension difficulties? * Which educational strategies are effective in preventing and treating reading comprehension difficulties? * What supplementary information can we get from an international perspective?
Download or read book Assessing Reading written by J. Charles Alderson and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2000-02-24 with total page 417 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is the most comprehensive of the assessment of reading in a foreign or second language.
