How do you know your DC's reading level?

[Novafan]

Personally, I'm not concerned with a number being assigned to my children's reading level and ability, but I get asked all the time if I know my DS's reading level. I have no idea. I know the types of books he reads, but I wouldn't have a clue if he was reading "at level" or "above level" or "below level." All children are different and learn in different ways, what determines the benchmark that sets the level? How do the public schools assess reading level? Is there a test? And what's the point?

Just curious.

[Rhonda in TX]

I don't really care, either. LOL

DD loves to read. She's not intimidated by a book's length or vocabulary. She does occasionally find a book too hard, but it's always one I wasn't sure she was ready for.

DS would live on a diet of Star Wars or Bionicle books if I let him, but if forced will read (and enjoy) much longer, and difficult, books. And I do indeed force this on him. :)

I think their reading level is tested each year when they take the CAT, but I couldn't tell you what it is without looking it up.

[pixelroper]

there are tests, ones for reading words & ones for comprehension. The only reason I prefer to use them is for standardized testing practice. It can be helpful to catch any problems that need addressing.

I know some there are links to specific ones, don't have time to get the links for you. Try the search feature and search for reading levels or tests, or some variation. If that fails I'm certain someone will hop in here with that info for you...

[Tracey in TX]

If you care, it's easy to test. Can obtain state testing via internet (usually prior years' versions). The biggest question we get is the math level and how we know if the child is learning. LOL

[KristineIN]

I've used the list on this site to find out what level my children are at.

http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/articles/060899.htm

Kristine

[Marie in Oh]

it lists the reading level for all their books, both readers and read alouds.

[Emmy]

I check the AR level on the books he is reading - if it's not listed on the back of the book then I google it as such "title of book AR level" and rarely have a problem finding it. I can then use that as a benchmark for where his instructional reading level is (books where he has to work at it a bit more) vs his fun reading level (books that are easy for him to read). It's not perfect, but it helps me decide if a book is appropriate for his level.

[pixelroper]

talks about different resources (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12660&highlight=testing+reading)

have you gotten the info you needed??:)

[K&Rs Mom]

Personally, I'm not concerned with a number being assigned to my children's reading level and ability, but I get asked all the time if I know my DS's reading level. I have no idea. I know the types of books he reads, but I wouldn't have a clue if he was reading "at level" or "above level" or "below level." All children are different and learn in different ways, what determines the benchmark that sets the level? How do the public schools assess reading level? Is there a test? And what's the point?

Just curious.

A lot of books have either an AR level or a grade level on the back cover (usually tiny in a corner). If you just want a general idea, check out a half dozen of his recent reads and see how they are labeled. Or visit www.bookadventure.com and check their book list - you can search by titles or authors.

The public schools no doubt have an elaborate system, which has something to do with the number of letters per word and words per page, and the "average" of kids at a certain age.

And there's no point. ;)