Phonics-Based Reading Test (PRT)

The Phonics-Based Reading Test (PRT) offers a quick and meaningful evaluation of an individual's reading skills. The test has two features that make it unique in comparison to other reading tests. First, word lists and words contained in passages are coordinated to the typical sequence of phonics skill acquisition. Students are assessed by reading material that is progressively more complex in terms of the phonics concepts needed for accurate reading. Second, in addition to norm-referenced results, based on a nationally representative sample, criterion referenced results are obtained.

Administration and Scoring: The PRT can be administered and scored in 20 to 30 minutes. On Part 1 of the test, the student is asked to read a segment of a 70-item list of letters and "nonsense" words. These letters and words require the use of phonics generalizations for correct decoding. On Part 2, the student reads short passages from a selection of eight graded passages. Passages are about 50 words in length. For each passage the examiner records rate and accuracy and asks five comprehension questions. Raw scores for decoding, fluency, and comprehension can be converted to standard scores, percentile ranks, and age and grade equivalents. Performance is also plotted to provide criterion referenced results that show the student's level of mastery of various phonics concepts.