Reading Proficiency Score Standards 1997-2002

Proficiency Level

Proficiency Descriptors

Advanced

• in-depth comprehension of a variety of complex texts;
• use of critical thinking skills to infer, evaluate, and extend the meaning of literal and figurative material;
• use of graphic organizers to comprehend text;
• comprehension of advanced vocabulary; and
• use of effective reading strategies when faced with difficult material.

(scale scores 684 and above)

Proficient

• a strong understanding of what is read and the interpretation of a variety of challenging material;
• a number of strategies for understanding passages about unfamiliar subject matter; and
• recall of literal detail from a variety of reading passages.

(scale scores 625 to 683)

Basic

• a surface level understanding of what is read;
• interpretation of major features of narrative such as main ideas and character motivation;
• understanding of basic vocabulary and recall of literal information from simple expository passages;
• evidence of a limited number of reading strategies for use when encountering difficulty in reading.

(scale scores 600 to 624)

Minimal Performance

Proficiency Level

Advanced

• in-depth comprehension of what is read and extensive interpretation of a variety of texts such as inferring probable cause and analyzing author's unique use of language to convey tone and mood;
• evidence of consistent and appropriate use of reading strategies;
• critical assessments of the effect of texts and identifying underlying themes; and
• knowledge gained comparing information across texts.

Proficient

• a strong understanding of what is read and interpretation of a variety of texts, such as identifying major ideas and important details in informational texts;
• evidence of inferring a character's feelings and motivation and predicts future attitudes;
• evidence of use of reading strategies to enhance comprehension;and
• evaluation of texts through recognition of an author's intention and evaluation of character actions and opinions.

Basic

• somewhat competent or surface level understanding of what is read;
• interpretation of major features of narrative text such as main ideas, probable outcome, character traits and motivation;
• occasional identification and use of reading strategies, such as recognizing supporting evidence for a selected response; and
• basic awareness of author intent in narrative texts through recognition of meaning of figurative language.

Minimal Performance

Advanced

• in-depth comprehension of a variety of complex text, interpretation of the author's purpose or point of view, and provision of detail to support inferences;
• use of analysis to differentiate concrete from abstract, to summarize, draw insightful conclusions, and extend meaning beyond the text;
• understanding of extensive vocabulary and display of a sophisticated understanding of literary elements.

Proficient

• competent use of a variety of reading strategies, such as using context and format clues to derive meaning and differentiate between main and subordinate ideas;
• comprehension of a variety of text material, use of analytical skills to distinguish fact from opinion; drawing inferences, summarizing, and making comparisons across texts;
• a broad vocabulary; and
• knowledge of some literary elements, such as use of figurative language, story structure, and text structure.

Basic

• somewhat competent use of reading strategies and vocabulary to derive meaning, recall information, and draw conclusions from a variety of simple texts;
• limited extension of meaning beyond text; and
• recognition and understanding of some literary elements, such as plot and character traits

Minimal Performance