Oral Reading Fluency Norms: A Valuable Assessment Tool for Reading Teachers

In 1992, the authors collaborated to develop a set of norms for oral reading fluency for grades 2–5. Since then, interest in and awareness of fluency has greatly increased, and Hasbrouck and Tindal have collaborated further to compile an updated and expanded set of norms for grades 1–8. This article discusses the application of these norms to three important assessment activities related to improving students’ reading achievement: Screening students for possible reading problems Diagnosing deficits in students’ fluency Monitoring the progress of students receiving supplementary instruction or intensive intervention in reading An overview of the history and purpose for developing measures of oral reading fluency is also presented.