by: Rosalyn V. Ablir, Teacher III
Ricardo A. Pronove ES
Magdalena, Laguna Sub-Office
Assessing and identifying learners’ reading abilities are crucial steps in identifying and creating effective reading intervention initiatives. By using the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (PhilIRI) as a basis, teachers can gather valuable information about students’ reading levels, strengths, and areas for improvement.
With the information gathered from PhilIRI, teachers can tailor reading interventions to meet the specific needs of each student. This personalized approach ensures that students receive targeted instruction and support, ultimately leading to improved reading skills and overall academic success. There are several ways that teachers can use PhilIRI to guide their reading intervention initiatives.
Firstly, teachers can use the result of the PhilIRI to group students with similar reading abilities for targeted instruction. This allows teachers to provide appropriate materials and strategies that are specifically designed to address the needs of each group. For instance, a group of struggling readers may need additional support in decoding phonic skills, while a group of advanced readers can benefit from more challenging texts and comprehension.
Secondly, teachers can use the PhilIRI data to track students’ progress over time. This ongoing assessment helps teachers measure the effectiveness of their reading intervention initiatives and make any necessary adjustments based on individual student growth. This ongoing monitoring allows teachers to identify trends and patterns in student performance, which can inform instructional decisions and interventions.
Additionally, teachers may consider using the PhilIRI data to provide ongoing feedback and support to students. By regularly assessing students’ reading abilities using PhilIRI, teachers can provide targeted feedback and guidance on areas of improvement. This feedback can help students set goals, track their progress, and develop strategies to enhance their reading skills. For example, if a student is struggling with fluency, the teacher can provide specific strategies and activities to improve reading fluency.
Furthermore, teachers can use PhilIRI data to collaborate with other professionals such as reading specialists or instructional coaches, to develop and implement effective reading intervention plans. These professionals can provide additional expertise and resources to support the implementation of evidence-based reading interventions and ensure that students receive the necessary support to improve their reading skills. This will make the difference in determining the success of reading intervention efforts, and ultimately improve students’ academic achievement.
However, we must keep in mind that PhilIRI is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to reading intervention. Teachers should also consider incorporating assessment tools, instructional strategies, and interventions that align with the specific needs and profiles of their students. Still, we cannot deny the fact that PhilIRI is a useful tool wherein when utilized properly, can make a big difference in addressing the reading needs of students.
Reading intervention is a complex and multifaceted process that requires a comprehensive approach. It is important to consider a range of sources to inform and guide instructional decisions. As reading teachers, we must implement a well-rounded and evidenced-based approach that considers the diverse needs and abilities of our students.