What are some of the shortcomings of the informal reading inventory? How might these be overcome?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Shortcomings of an IRI are listed below:
• Require fairly extensive training to administer and interpret.
• Selections may be unappealing. 
• Selections may require background that students do not possess, or contain questions that are ambiguous or that can be answered without reading the selection.
• Selections may be much shorter than texts that students usually read.
• Selections may be easier or more difficult than those that typically are read at that grade level or may not represent the skills currently being taught at that level.
• Can be time-consuming to administer
Suggestions for overcoming IRI shortcomings are as follows:
• Obtain training for administering and interpreting an IRI and follow the procedures and standards carefully.
•Carefully select IRIs that match student' needs.
• Complement information from an IRI with information from observations, informal and formal assessment, and other sources. Note especially how well the student functions in his or her assigned levels. 
• Compensate for observed weakness in the IRI you are using. Skip or provide substitutions for selections that are confusing or lacking in interest.