Free Reading Comprehension Assessments
Determining Reading Level
Instructional and independent reading placement
- San Diego Quick Assessment – Word list-based placement
- Running Records – Fluency, accuracy, and comprehension tracking
- Morrison–McCall Spelling Scale – Public-domain spelling-based level estimate
- Pennington Pets Fluency Assessment (Grades 4+) – The passage is uniquely designed with a “pyramid” structure, consisting of seven paragraphs, each increasing in complexity from a first-grade to a seventh-grade reading level. This gradual increase allows students to build confidence as they progress through the passage. It determines the independent reading level.
- UFLI Placement Test—If you plan to teach with UFLI , this placement test is helpful.
- CORE Phonics Survey—Excellent companion to UFLI ; pinpoints exact instructional starting point for UFLI, as well.
CORE Survey Mastery Guidelines
| Grade | Expected Mastery |
|---|---|
| K | Skills 1–7 |
| Grade 1 | Skills 1–12 |
| Grade 2 | Skills 1–14 (ideally 15–16) |
| Grade 3+ | All 16 skills |
5. Reading Rate & Fluency
Measures speed, accuracy, and oral reading fluency
- DIBELS 8 Oral Reading Fluency – Grades 1–8. Here are the DIBELS 8th Edition Benchmark Goals.
- Free Reading Test – Online fluency tool
- ReadingSoft Speed Reading Test—This is a fun one for an adult.
- Scholar Within Reading Rate by Grade—This site provides fluency passages.
- UFLI Fluency by Unit—These unit assessments start when the child finishes UFLI Lesson 41.
- ACE Test—Online reading rate assessment in which students read a passage, answer comprehension questions, and receive their reading rate instantly. According to the ACE website:
- Words Per Minute Tests for Grades 5 and Up – You can find many free WPM tests online to measure rate and accuracy.
- Spreeder (Free Version) –I use the free Spreeder with my elementary students as part of fluency practice. The free app works perfectly—you don’t need to purchase the upgraded version.
How to use Spreeder to assess reading rate for kids:
- Copy/paste a text (Jennings Test Passages work great)
- Hit SPREED!
- Enter the target WCPM. See the norms chart.
- Adjust font size in the settings
- Hit save and play
- Have the child read silently
- Ask for a retell to check comprehension
6. Spelling
Diagnostic spelling inventories
- Pennington Heart Word Assessment—Identifies orthographic mapping needs. It starts on page 4. Students must identify the words spelled correctly.
7. Reading Comprehension & State Assessments
Sentence-level through standardized test practice
- DIBELS MAZE – Grades 2–8. MAZE is a 3-minute timed comprehension measure.
- Pioneer Valley Reading Level Assessment – Ideal for remote or in-person assessment. Combines word reading, running records, and comprehension
- Jennings Informal Reading Assessment – Uses leveled reading passages and comprehension questions to assess understanding and determine reading level.
- State Testing (MCAS and Other Standardized Assessments)State standardized tests, such as the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), are designed to measure students’ mastery of grade-level academic standards. These assessments help identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth and guide instruction to better meet student needs.
State of Massachusetts (MCAS)
2005 Grade 3 p. 6-35 /Grade 4 p. 38-68
2004 Grade 3 p. 7-30 / Grade 4 p. 33-63
2003 Grade 3 p. 8-28 / Grade 4 p. 32-57
Click here for computer-based tests!
State of Maryland
Here are links to their paper-and-pencil standardized tests from grades 3 to 10.
Smarter Balanced
Practice tests from various states.
Grade 2
California Standards Test—Grade 2 Language Arts
Tennessee Grade 2 Assessment – Language Arts Item Sampler
Grade 3
Florida ELA Reading – Grade 3 Practice Test Questions
Louisiana English Language Arts Practice Test Grade 3
Texas Grade 3 Reading Assessment
Grade 4
Florida ELA Reading—Grade 4 Practice Test Questions
Louisiana English Language Arts Practice Test Grade 4
Texas Grade 4 Reading Assessment
Texas Grade 4 Writing Assessment
Grade 5
Florida ELA Reading—Grade 5 Practice Test Questions
Louisiana English Language Arts Practice Test Grade 5
Texas Grade 5 Reading Assessment
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This page was created on October 11, 2026.