Study Guide

Field 015: Reading Specialist 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T )
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

pie chart of subarea weighting, as described in the table below
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 1 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
selected-response
roman numeral 1 foundational knowledge 0001–0003 11 percent
roman numeral 2 instruction 0004–0016 39 percent
roman numeral 3 assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation 0017–0022 20 percent
roman numeral 4 role of the reading professional 0023–0027 15 percent
this cell is intentionally left blank. 85 percent
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 2 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
constructed-response
roman numeral 2 instruction 0004–0016 15 percent

 Subarea roman numeral 1–Foundational Knowledge 

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of the linguistic foundations of reading.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of the foundations of reading instruction.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0003–Analyze how different factors (e.g., cultural, linguistic, developmental, environmental, social) may affect reading development and reading instruction.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 2–Instruction 

Competency 0004–Apply knowledge of instructional strategies and techniques used in effective reading instruction.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0005–Analyze the role of concepts of print, the alphabetic principle, and letter recognition in reading development and apply strategies for promoting students' knowledge and skills in these areas.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0006–Analyze the role of phonological and phonemic awareness in reading development and apply strategies for promoting phonological and phonemic awareness skills.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0007–Analyze the role of phonics and word recognition in reading development and apply strategies for promoting students' phonics and word recognition skills.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0008–Analyze the role of fluency in reading and apply strategies for promoting fluency in skilled reading.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0009–Analyze principles of vocabulary development and apply strategies for enhancing students' vocabulary knowledge.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0010–Analyze the role of academic language and background knowledge in reading development and apply strategies for developing students' academic language and background knowledge.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0011–Analyze the nature of reading comprehension and apply knowledge of factors related to text comprehension.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0012–Analyze and apply strategies for promoting students' ability to comprehend, interpret, and analyze literary texts.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0013–Analyze and apply strategies for promoting students' ability to comprehend, interpret, and analyze informational/expository texts and to apply study skills across the content areas.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0014–Analyze and apply knowledge of instruction to address the needs of all student populations.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0015–Analyze criteria and apply procedures for selecting and using reading materials to promote students' reading development.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0016–Analyze and apply procedures for using technology in the reading program.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 3–Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation 

Competency 0017–Analyze basic principles of reading assessment and the role of reading assessment and diagnosis in the instructional process.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0018–Analyze formal reading assessment instruments and procedures.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0019–Analyze informal reading assessment instruments and procedures.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0020–Analyze and apply procedures for interpreting assessment results and using assessment information to plan reading instruction that addresses students' evidence-based needs.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0021–Analyze characteristics and purposes of screening procedures.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0022–Analyze characteristics and purposes of diagnostic procedures.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

 Subarea roman numeral 4–Role of the Reading Professional 

Competency 0023–Analyze the role of the reading specialist and apply strategies for working with others inside and outside the school to promote students' reading development.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0024–Analyze and apply principles for evaluating reading programs and materials.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0025–Analyze and apply procedures for developing and implementing the reading curriculum and reading program.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0026–Analyze and apply strategies for creating a literate environment that promotes the development of a community of readers and the reading growth of all students.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0027–Analyze the role of reflection, self-evaluation, and professional development in reading instruction.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics