Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) - Oral Reading Fluency (ORF)

What is Oral Reading Fluency?

Oral reading fluency (ORF) is the ability to read a text aloud with a combination of accuracy, speed, and proper expression (prosody). It's a key indicator of a person's overall reading ability, as it demonstrates that they can decode words automatically, allowing their brain to focus on comprehending the meaning of the text.

Here are the core components:

• Accuracy: Reading the words in a text correctly.

• Speed (or Rate): Reading at a conversational pace, not too fast or too slow. This is often measured in Correct Words Per Minute (CWPM).

• Prosody: Reading with natural expression, paying attention to punctuation, and using appropriate intonation and phrasing. It should sound like natural speech.

---

Evaluation of Your Data

The data you've provided gives a clear snapshot of the oral reading fluency for eight individuals. Here is a breakdown and evaluation of their performance.

For context, reading accuracy is often broken down into three levels:

• ✅ Independent (95-100%): The reader can handle the text easily.

• 🟡 Instructional (90-94%): The reader can manage the text with some guidance. This is the ideal level for teaching.

• 🔴 Frustration (<90%): The text is too difficult for the reader, leading to poor comprehension.

Here is the data organized by performance level:

Survey Names	ORF - Correct	ORF - Errors	Accuracy	Composite Score	Performance Level
Gra	83	1	99%	298	✅ Independent
Ang	107	5	96%	345	✅ Independent
Ame	65	2	97%	291	✅ Independent
Del	72	2	97%	294	✅ Independent
Sio	43	4	91%	283	🟡 Instructional
Joa	59	8	88%	305	🔴 Frustration
Cas	31	8	79%	282	🔴 Frustration
Sad	10	10	50%	265	🔴 Frustration

Export to Sheets

---

Key Observations and Analysis

✅ High Performers (Independent Level)

These individuals can read the text with very few errors.

• Ang: Is the fastest and most efficient reader, with 107 correct words and 96% accuracy. The high composite score of 345 also marks them as a top performer.

• Gra, Ame, and Del: All show excellent accuracy (99% and 97%). They are reading comfortably and making minimal errors, which allows them to focus on what the text means.

🟡 Instructional Performer

This individual is in the ideal zone for learning with this text.

• Sio: At 91% accuracy, Sio finds the text challenging but manageable with support. The 4 errors suggest specific areas where instruction could help improve their decoding skills.

🔴 Performers at a Frustration Level

These individuals found this text too difficult, which negatively impacts both fluency and comprehension.

• Joa and Cas: With accuracy at 88% and 79%, respectively, they are making too many errors for this text to be productive for them. They would benefit from reading easier material to build foundational skills and confidence.

• Sad: This reader is struggling significantly with this text. An accuracy of 50% (making one error for every word read correctly) is a clear sign that the material is far beyond their current reading level. They require immediate and intensive intervention with much simpler texts.

Summary

The data shows a wide range of reading abilities. Ang and Gra are excelling, while readers like Sad, Cas, and Joa require significant support. Identifying these levels is the critical first step in providing the right instruction for each person.