Energy Express Administrating the Woodcock Johnson Test for Achievement Allison Nichols, Ed.D. WVU Extension Specialist

Sample Stratified random sample Eight to twelve Energy Express children Criteria for inclusion Half of the students selected should be female. Two should be special education students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Criteria continued Seven of the ten should be the recipients of free or reduced priced lunches during the school year. At least one child from each grade level should be selected; more should be selected from the grade levels that are more frequently represented at the site. Children who are selected should be representative of the ethnic population of the site. Children who are selected should be representative of the “experience” of the children at the site (i.e. number of years attending Energy Express).

Subtests Each child will take three tests of achievement Letter-Word Identification - #1 Reading Fluency - #2 Passage Comprehension - #9 These three tests, taken together, constitute a “Broad Reading” skill score.

Necessary Materials The Woodcock Johnson Test for Achievement book. Subject response booklet for each child with the following filled in: Name of child Energy Express site Age Last grade completed in school Sharpened pencil Stop watch or watch with a second hand Warning: Be sure the version of the test matches the subject response booklet (i.e. A or B)

Setting Up Set the book up tent-style, so that you see the instructions and the child sees the questions.

General Guidelines Do not penalize a child for mispronunciations resulting from articulation errors, dialect variations, or regional speech patterns. If you do not hear the child’s response clearly, allow the child to complete the entire page and then ask him or her to repeat all the items on that page. Score only the item in question; do not re-score the other items. Words that are not read fluently are scored 0.

When to Stop Testing Complete each page and go on to the next page until: the 6 highest-numbered items administered are incorrect.

Scoring 1 = correct 0 = incorrect

Beginning Steps Opening Statements “By taking this test, you will be helping Energy Express tell others about how they help kids learn to read better and want to read more.” “I am going to ask you to answer some questions and to solve some problems. Some questions and problems will seem very easy, while others will seem hard. Please do your best.”

Test 1 – Letter-Word Identification Open to page 3. This test measures basic reading skills. Look at the table at the bottom of the page and select the grade that the child has last completed (ie. 1 st grade begins on page 13). Then go to that page.

Test 1 – Letter-Word Identification Tell the child the following, only once. “First read the word or letter silently and then say it smoothly.” Reach to the child-side of the book and point at the R and then read him the words on your side of the book, in blue. “What is the name of this letter?” Continue pointing to his side of the book and reading the letters or words in blue, on your side. On the answer sheet, score 0 for incorrect and 1 for correct. Continue until the child misses six of the highest-numbered questions.

Test 2 - Reading Fluency Use the subject response booklet for this test. Give a sharpened pencil and the answer sheet to the child. This test is timed -- 3-minute limit. Use a stop watch. If you do not have one, use a watch with a second hand. Note the exact starting and ending time in minutes and seconds. Ask him or her to complete his or her answers by circling yes or no. You do not need to score or tally the test. It will be done by the staff in Morgantown.

Test 2 – Reading Fluency Open the Subject Response Booklet to Reading Fluency sample items and place it in front of the child. Ask him or her to try the sample questions on the answer sheet for this test. Then have him complete the practice exercise. If a child has fewer than 3 items correct on the practice exercise, you may discontinue testing and record a score of 0. If he has answered 3 correctly, read him the instructions beginning on page 41. Begin the test. After 3 minutes tell him to put his pencil down and collect the Subject Response Booklet.

Test 9 – Passage Comprehension Go to Test 9 (page 129) of the Test of Achievement. Look at the table at the bottom and select the grade the child has just completed (kindergarten, grade 1, grade 2 or above) Go to the page indicated under the appropriate grade (i.e. grade 1 = page 143). If the grade is 2 or above you will be directed to a further breakdown by grade, when you go to page 155.

Test 9 – Passage Comprehension Look over at the student’s side of the book and point to the words at the bottom of the page and say: “Look at these words. Put your finger on the picture these words tell about.” If the student puts his finger on the yellow bird, score a 1. If the student makes an error or there is no response, score a 0. Then point to the words and say: “These words say ‘yellow bird.’ Now you put your finger on the picture of the yellow bird.”

Test 9 – Passage Comprehension Continue with the test. When and if you reach page 155, you will find a new sample question. That is because the remaining questions are “complete the sentence” type of questions. You would say: Look at the picture. This says, “The house is bigger than the ______.” What word belongs in the space? Continue with test beginning with question 11. Ask child to read the sentence to himself before answering.

End-of-Test Details Make sure all important details are completed on the test booklet such as: Name of child Age of child Last year of school completed Name of Energy Express site Date of test Your name or signature Hand in all completed booklets to the site coordinator.

Finally, Give completed surveys to site supervisor along with Woodcock Johnson completed test sheets. He/she will turn them into the Energy Express state office. Do not score the survey. Scoring will be handled by the Energy Express state office.

Questions If you have questions after this presentation, you may call: Allison Nichols WVU Extension Service