What are the major devices used to assess reading and writing? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Major devices for assessing reading include the following: 
• Phonics: Informal and formal phonics tests, IRI word list tests, observation, spelling, written work, especially in early stages 
• Comprehension: Standardized tests, teacher-made tests, end-of-unit tests, discussions, retellings, observations, think-alouds, samples of written classwork, anecdotal records, portfolio.
• Study skills: See how well students do on quizzes, tests, and assignments that require
home preparation. Use observation, interviews, questionnaires, discussions, conferences, checklists. 
• Vocabulary: Formal and informal tests, group and individual tests, self-reporting scales, discussions, conversations, written responses, and written pieces
• Writing: Written pieces, conferences, questionnaires, journals, rubrics, checklists, portfolio
Advantages and Disadvantages
• Formal tests that are norm-referenced allow comparisons with similar groups and a national sample, but may have a restricted range of items and might not reflect skills emphasized.
• Informal assessments can be given more frequently and are likely to reflect the curriculum but may lack technical adequacy.
• Observations provide insight into students' actual use of skills but might be limited in number and might not be representative.
• Conversations, conferences, and discussions allow insight into use of language and skills, but might not be extensive enough or representative.
• Work samples offer evidence of students' actual work, but might not be representative. 
• Checklists, questionnaires, and interviews gather students' responses and thoughts but might reflect what students think teacher wants to hear rather than what students feel or believe. 
• Portfolios contain actual work samples and can show growth over time but may not be representative and can be difficult to manage.