ABE Reading Level 1

Course Outcome Summary

WTCS

 

Information

Instructional Level

Adult Basic Education

Revision Date

12/01/2005

Revision History

Wisconsin Technical College System ABE Steering Committee representatives revised the ABE Reading content standards to align with the six levels designated by NRS guidelines during the spring of 2005.

 

12/05 minor editing revisions by ABE Reading Workgroup.

 

Target Population

According to NRS Beginning ABE Literacy Benchmarks for reading, the learner entering ABE Reading Level 1 has no or minimal reading skills and has little or no comprehension of how print corresponds to spoken language.  The learner may recognize, read and write letters and numbers, but has a limited understanding of connected prose and may need frequent re-reading.  The learner has little or no ability to read basic signs or maps.

 

Description

Level 1 Reading (Grade equivalent 0 - 2.9) emphasizes reading simple material on familiar subjects and comprehending simple compound sentences in single or linked paragraphs containing a familiar vocabulary.  Learners who successfully complete Level 1 Reading achieve Beginning Basic Education Benchmarks according to NRS guidelines.

 

Core Abilities

A.

Learn effectively

B.

Value Self

C.

Communicate effectively

D.

Model responsible behavior

E.

Work cooperatively

F.

Evaluate information sources and uses

G.

Think critically and creatively

H.

Use technology

 

Competencies and Performance Standards

1.

Demonstrate pre-reading skills

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

C.         Communicate effectively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

1.1.       in an oral skill demonstration in response to a variety of materials - illustrative, print, media, and real objects

1.2.       individually or in small groups

1.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

1.4.       using computer-aided technology

 

Your performance will be successful when:

1.1.       you demonstrate spatial orientation awareness

1.2.       you discriminate visually and auditorily

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Identify letters of the alphabet

b.         Identify and reproduce simple vowel and consonant sounds

c.         Identify and reproduce simple family patterns (rhyming patterns such as the ill, all, ing families)

d.         Recognize that letters make words, words make sentences

e.         Recognize printed materials normally flow left to right, top to bottom, front to back

f.          Recall basic facts of a story which has been read aloud to student

g.         Narrate a picture story in proper sequence

 

2.

Employ basic vocabulary skills

Linked Core Abilities

C.         Communicate effectively

G.         Think critically and creatively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

2.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of formats - oral, written and computer

2.2.       individually or in small groups

2.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

2.1.       you implement strategies to expand vocabulary

2.2.       you use knowledge of primary roots, prefixes, and suffixes to interpret and convey the meaning of words

2.3.       you identify the common figures of speech and use them appropriately

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Identify 75% of the preprimer, primer, and first grade words on foundation lists such as the Dolch/Fry list

b.         Identify the meaning of plural nouns

c.         Identify the meaning of possessive nouns and pronouns

d.         Recognize simple roots such as do, care, work

e.         Match simple prefixes with their meaning (re, un, in)

f.          Match simple suffixes with their meaning (ing, ed)

g.         Identify repetition and rhyme in oral and written text

h.         Identify the meanings of frequently used terms presented in text

 

3.

Employ basic reading strategies to process written materials

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

G.         Think critically and creatively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

3.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/or technology-based materials including practical reading, prose, poetry, and drama

3.2.       individually or in small groups

3.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

3.1.       you apply word recognition skills using a variety of strategies including rereading, finding context clues, identifying letter-sound relationships, and analyzing word structures

3.2.       you infer the meaning of unfamiliar words in the context of a passage by examining known words, phrases and structures

3.3.       you demonstrate phonemic awareness by using letter/sound relationships as aids to pronouncing and understanding unfamiliar words and text

3.4.       you relate how written texts and accompanying illustrations connect and thus create meaning

3.5.       you use organizational features of texts, such as headings, paragraphs, and format, to improve understanding

3.6.       you identify a purpose for reading, such as to gain information, to learn about a viewpoint, or to appreciate literature

3.7.       you recognize fluency including pacing strategies and level-appropriate fluency barriers

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Demonstrate ability to read personal information such as name, address, zip code, phone number, age

b.         Distinguish between the word order and end punctuation of a statement and a question to help determine thought

c.         Read back student's own dictated story(ies)

d.         Read out loud with appropriate expression and fluency

e.         Recognize the effect of the comma as a context clue

f.          Demonstrate basic phonemic skills

g.         Explain how organizational headings help in comprehending text

h.         State the purpose for reading of a variety of reading texts

 

4.

Interpret simple printed materials

Linked Core Abilities

C.         Communicate effectively

F.         Evaluate information sources and uses

G.         Think critically and creatively

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

4.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/technology-based materials including practical reading, prose, poetry, and drama

4.2.       individually or in small groups

4.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

4.1.       you demonstrate literal comprehension skills

4.2.       you demonstrate inferential comprehension skills

4.3.       you distinguish among fact, opinion and hypothesis

4.4.       you identify basic organizational patterns

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         State the main idea and major supporting details of a piece of text

b.         Identify the order of events of a simple piece of text

c.         Predict orally or in writing what a passage is about based upon its title and illustrations

d.         Identify strategies to determine if information presented in text is accurate

e.         State meaning of sentences that contain negative words

f.          State time for sentences containing present, past, and future verbs

g.         Distinguish among statements, questions, and exclamations and their meanings

h.         Identify the facts and opinions of information in a simple piece of written text

i.          Create a simple graphic organizer for a piece of written text

 

5.

Read to acquire, apply, and evaluate information

Linked Core Abilities

C.         Communicate effectively

F.         Evaluate information sources and uses

G.         Think critically and creatively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

5.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/or technology-based materials including practical reading, prose, poetry, and drama

5.2.       individually or in small groups

5.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

5.1.       you apply information to solve problems or make decisions

5.2.       you summarize key details of informational material, connecting new information to prior knowledge

5.3.       you identify a topic of interest then seek information by investigating available resources

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         List key words used to solve a mathematical word problem

b.         List the key steps in problem solving/decision making

c.         Summarize key details of informational text-bus schedule, library flyer, etc.

d.         Identify where to find information on specific topics

e.         Identify the story elements of setting, character, problem, resolution found in various pieces of written text

 

6.

Use informational resources

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

F.         Evaluate information sources and uses

G.         Think critically and creatively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

6.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/or technology-based materials including practical reading, prose, poetry, and drama

6.2.       individually or in small groups

6.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

6.1.       you identify book features including table of contents, glossary, and index to locate information

6.2.       you locate and use specific resource materials

6.3.       you identify images, symbols, and icons central to particular messages

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Identify parts of a book such as glossary, index, captions

b.         Locate specific information using only the book features

c.         Demonstrate the ability to use informational resources such as a dictionary, the Internet, etc.

d.         Identify simple signs and give meaning

e.         State meaning of basic mathematical symbols

f.          State meaning of basic technology icons found on computer screens

 

 

7.

Develop responsibility for learning

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

B.         Value Self

D.        Model responsible behavior

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

7.1.       in the development of an action plan to meet academic and personal goals

 

Your performance will be successful when:

7.1.       you identify academic and personal goals

7.2.       you specify measures for success

7.3.       you identify specific strategies to help you meet your goals

7.4.       you establish a time line for your action plan

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Set goals that are realistic

b.         State time line for each set goal

c.         State strategies for knowing successful completion of goal(s)

d.         Create Personal Plan of Action for each set goal

 

 

 

 

ABE Reading Level 2

Course Outcome Summary

WTCS

 

Information

Instructional Level

Adult Basic Education

Revision Date

12/01/2005

Revision History

Wisconsin Technical College System ABE Steering Committee representatives revised the ABE Reading content standards to align with the six levels designated by NRS guidelines during the spring of 2005.

12/05 Minor editing and revision by the ABE Reading Workgroup.

 

Target Population

According to NRS Beginning Basic Education Benchmarks for Reading, the learner entering ABE Reading Level 2 can read simple material on familiar subjects and comprehend simple compound sentences in single or linked paragraphs containing a familiar vocabulary.

 

Description

Level 2 Reading (Grade Equivalent 3.0 - 4.9) emphasizes reading text on familiar subjects that have a simple and clear underlying structure.  Learners use context to determine meaning, and can interpret actions required in specific directions.  Learners read simple charts, graphs, labels, payroll stubs, and simple authentic material.  Learners who successfully complete Level 2 Reading achieve Low Intermediate Basic Education Benchmarks according to NRS guidelines.

 

Core Abilities

A.

Learn effectively

B.

Value Self

C.

Communicate effectively

D.

Model responsible behavior

E.

Work cooperatively

F.

Evaluate information sources and uses

G.

Think critically and creatively

H.

Use technology

 

Competencies and Performance Standards

1.

Employ basic reading strategies to process written materials

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

C.         Communicate effectively

G.         Think critically and creatively

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

1.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/or technology-based materials including functional/workplace/life skill readings, prose, poetry, and drama

1.2.       individually or in small groups

1.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

1.4.       in using computer-aided technology

 

Your performance will be successful when:

1.1.       you apply word recognition skills using a variety of strategies including rereading, finding context clues, knowledge of letter-sound relationships, and analyzing word structures

1.2.       you infer the meaning of unfamiliar words in the context of a passage by examining known words, phrases and structures

1.3.       you demonstrate phonemic awareness by using letter/sound relationships as aids to pronouncing and understanding unfamiliar words and text

1.4.       you comprehend reading by using strategies: activating prior knowledge, establishing purpose, self-correcting, self-monitoring, rereading, making predictions, finding context clues, developing visual images, applying knowledge of text structures, etc

1.5.       you read aloud with level-appropriate fluency, accuracy, and expression

1.6.       you relate written text and visual representations to create meaning

1.7.       you  use organizational features of text, such as headings, paragraphs, and format, to improve understanding

1.8.       you identify a purpose for reading, such as to gain information, to learn about a viewpoint, or for enjoyment

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Identify consonant blends, digraphs, dipthongs to assist in processing text

b.         Read aloud with fluency and expression

c.         Demonstrate phonemic skills

d.         Give meaning to compound words used in processing text

e.         Identify meanings root words

f.          Identify meanings of words with prefixes

g.         Identify meanings of words with suffixes

h.         Give meanings to contractions used in a text

i.          Utilize prior knowledge to give meaning to text

j.          Construct connection of illustrations with written text

k.         Complete simple graphic organizers using organizational features of text to improve comprehension

l.          Identify the meaning of words in context

m.        State meaning of unfamiliar terms by utilizing contextual clues such as commas

n.         Identify purpose for reading a given piece of text

 

2.

Interpret a range of culturally diverse printed and electronically generated materials

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

C.         Communicate effectively

F.         Evaluate information sources and uses

G.         Think critically and creatively

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

2.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/or technology based materials including practical reading, prose, poetry, and drama

2.2.       individually or in small groups

2.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

2.1.       you analyze story structure, such as sequence of events, cause/effect, character, plot, and setting, in order to reflect on meaning

2.2.       you relate reading to prior knowledge and current experience using a reservoir of reading materials, such as functional, workplace, life skill, and a wide-range of culturally diverse materials

2.3.       you extend the literal meaning using critical thinking skills to make inferences and evaluate the significance and validity

2.4.       you identify and summarize main ideas and key points

2.5.       you select a variety of materials to read for discovery, appreciation, and enjoyment, summarize the readings, and connect them to prior knowledge and experience

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Create a graphic organizer showing story structure

b.         Determine main idea and major supporting details of a text

c.         State answers to "who," "what," and "when" questions about sentences or paragraphs

d.         Identify the cause or effect implied in a paragraph

e.         Distinguish between fact and opinions in a paragraph

f.          Follow simple written directions

g.         Give meaning to abbreviations used in text

h.         Relate in writing/orally information from prior knowledge with information gained from text

i.          State a simple inference gained from a piece of text

j.          Recognize the characteristics of poetry, drama, nonfiction, and fiction text

 

3.

Read to acquire information

Linked Core Abilities

C.         Communicate effectively

F.         Evaluate information sources and uses

G.         Think critically and creatively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

3.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/or technology-based materials including functional/workplace/life skill reading, prose, poetry, and drama

3.2.       individually or in small groups

3.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

3.1.       you summarize key details of informational texts, connecting new information to prior knowledge

3.2.       you identify a topic of interest then seek information by investigating available resources

3.3.       you apply information to solve problems or make decisions

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Evaluate information from pictures, maps, or signs to answer informational questions

b.         Use simple references to obtain information (for example:  beginner's dictionary, glossary, etc.)

c.         Locate information using websites such as www.ask.com to answer informational questions

d.         Summarize information on a specifically given topic from two sources

e.         Create a graphic organizer such as the K-W-L or Venn diagram to answer mathematical story problem questions

 

4.

Develop vocabulary of words, phrases, and idioms to improve communication

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

C.         Communicate effectively

G.         Think critically and creatively

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

4.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/or technology-based materials including functional/workplace/life skill reading, prose, poetry, and drama

4.2.       individually or in small groups

4.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

4.1.       you consult dictionaries, thesauruses, and other resources to find and compare definitions, choose among synonyms, and spell words correctly

4.2.       you use roots, prefixes, and suffixes to interpret and convey word meaning

4.3.       you identify the common figures of speech and use them appropriately

4.4.       you demonstrate usage of vocabulary related to workplace, health/safety, educational, and financial literacies

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Identify which resource to use to give meaning to a term

b.         State meaning for several common idiomatic expressions

c.         List several alternative terms to use when determining meanings of unfamiliar words

d.         State meanings of common prefixes, suffixes, roots

e.         Recognize figures of speech used in written text such as metaphors and similies

f.          Match meaning and term for specialized vocabulary terms used in written text

 

5.

Use informational resources to make decisions

Linked Core Abilities

F.         Evaluate information sources and uses

G.         Think critically and creatively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

5.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and multimedia materials including practical reading, prose, poetry, and drama

5.2.       individually or in small groups

5.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

5.1.       you identify book features including table of contents, glossary, and index to locate information

5.2.       you locate and use specific resource materials, such as phone books, maps, dictionaries

5.3.       you employ search engines to access information from electronic reference resources, such as library catalog, encyclopedias, almanacs, and indexes

5.4.       you identify the intent or appeal behind products and messages promoted via media

5.5.       you recognize basic propaganda techniques

5.6.       you identify images, symbols, and icons central to particular messages

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Use book features to locate specific information

b.         Determine which resource material to use to answer informational questions

c.         Demonstrate the skill of using a search engine to access information from electronic reference sources

d.         Recognize propaganda techniques used in the media

e.         Relate orally or in writing the intent of each propaganda technique

f.          State meaning of level-appropriate symbols used in mathematics

g.         State meaning of icons and images used by multi-media to communicate specific messages

 

 

6.

Conduct research to acquire information for a purpose

Linked Core Abilities

C.         Communicate effectively

F.         Evaluate information sources and uses

G.         Think critically and creatively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

6.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and/or technology based materials to answer a question

6.2.       individually or in small groups

6.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

6.1.       you formulate initial question(s) and develop a plan for gathering information

6.2.       you conduct research by identifying, locating, exploring, and effectively using multiple sources of information appropriate to the question(s)

6.3.       you record and organize information

6.4.       you present the results

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Create a list of focus questions

b.         Outline a basic plan to gather information

c.         Utilize various resources to answer focus questions

d.         Create graphic organizers to state answers to focus questions

e.         Write a summary of your findings

 

7.

Develop responsibility for learning

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

B.         Value Self

D.        Model responsible behavior

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

7.1.       in the development of an action plan to meet academic and personal goals

 

Your performance will be successful when:

7.1.       you assess your progress to date

7.2.       you identify academic and personal goals

7.3.       you specify measures for success

7.4.       you identify specific strategies to help you meet your goals

7.5.       you establish a time line for your action plan

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Create specific/realistic goals

b.         Assign time frames to each set goal

c.         Create a checklist to measure progress toward each set goal

d.         Create a strategy process to attain each set goal

 

 

 

 

 

ABE Reading Level 3

Course Outcome Summary

WTCS

 

Information

Instructional Level

Adult Basic Education

Revision Date

12/01/2005

Revision History

Wisconsin Technical College System ABE Steering Committee representatives revised the ABE Reading content standards to align with the six levels designated by NRS guidelines during the spring of 2005.

12/05 Minor editing and revision by ABE Reading Workgroup.

 

Target Population

According to NRS Low Intermediate Basic Education Benchmarks for Reading, the learner entering ABE Reading Level 3 can read text on familiar subjects that have a simple and clear underlying structure.  Learners use context to determine meaning, and can interpret actions required in specific directions.  Learners read simple charts, graphs, labels, payroll stubs, and simple authentic material.

 

Description

Level 3 Reading (grade equivalent 5.0 to 6.9) emphasizes reading text on familiar subjects or from which new vocabulary can be determined by context.  Learners read simple descriptions and narratives and can make some minimal inferences about familiar texts and compare and contrast information from texts.  Learners read authentic materials on familiar topics such as simple employee handbooks. Learners who successfully complete Level 3 Reading achieve High Intermediate Basic Education Benchmarks according to NRS guidelines.

 

Core Abilities

A.

Learn effectively

B.

Value Self

C.

Communicate effectively

D.

Model responsible behavior

E.

Work cooperatively

F.

Evaluate information sources and uses

G.

Think critically and creatively

H.

Use technology

 

Competencies and Performance Standards

1.

Employ reading strategies to process written materials

Linked Core Abilities

A.        Learn effectively

C.         Communicate effectively

G.         Think critically and creatively

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

1.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and multimedia materials including practical reading, prose, poetry, and drama

1.2.       individually or in small groups

1.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

1.1.       you apply word recognition skills using a variety of strategies including rereading, finding context clues, and knowledge of letter-sound relationships, and analyzing word structures

1.2.       you select reading rate strategies and techniques based on purpose and difficulty of material

1.3.       you infer the meaning of unfamiliar words in the context of a passage by examining known words, phrases and structures

1.4.       you demonstrate phonemic awareness by using letter/sound relationships as aids to pronouncing and understanding unfamiliar words and text

1.5.       you comprehend reading by using strategies: activating prior knowledge, establishing purpose, self-correcting, self-monitoring, rereading, making predictions, finding context clues, developing visual images, applying knowledge of text structures, etc.

1.6.       you read aloud and silently with level-appropriate fluency, accuracy, and expression

1.7.       you relate written texts and visual representations to create meaning

1.8.       you use organizational features of texts, such as headings, paragraphs, and format, to improve understanding

1.9.       you identify a purpose for reading, such as to gain information, to learn about a viewpoint, or for enjoyment

1.10.     you locate, summarize and evaluate a written passage of text for a chosen purpose

1.11.     you distinguish between fact and opinion

Learning objectives

What you will learn as you master the competency:

a.         Interpret contextual clues to process written materials

b.         Read aloud with fluency and expression

c.         Apply word recognition strategies to assist in processing written materials

d.         Identify reason and reading rate appropriate for a task such as skim/scan/read

e.         Apply phonemic skills

f.          Analyze word structure

g.         Relate strategies used to assist in processing a specific piece of written material

h.         Express orally or in writing how illustrations assist in comprehending text

i.          Summarize a piece of written material

j.          Distinguish between fact and opinion

k.         Outline a piece of text using headings, paragraph structure, and format to assist in processing reading

 

2.

Interpret a range of culturally diverse printed and electronically-generated materials

Linked Core Abilities

C.         Communicate effectively

F.         Evaluate information sources and uses

G.         Think critically and creatively

H.        Use technology

 

Performance Standards

You will demonstrate your competence:

2.1.       in a skill demonstration in response to a variety of printed and /or technology-based materials including practical reading, prose, poetry, and drama

2.2.       individually or in small groups

2.3.       in class/lab or simulated real-life or workplace situations

 

Your performance will be successful when:

2.1.       you analyze story structure, such as sequence of events, cause/effect, character, plot, and setting, in order to reflect on meaning

2.2.       you relate reading to prior knowledge and current experience using a reservoir of reading materials, such as functional, workplace, life skill, and a wide-range of culturally diverse materials

2.3.       you extend the literal meaning using critical thinking skills to make inferences and evaluate the significance and validity

2.4.       you distinguish fiction from nonfiction, realistic fiction from fantasy, biography from autobiography, and poetry from prose

2.5.       you select a variety of materials to read for discovery, appreciation, and enjoyment, summarize the readings, and connect them to prior knowledge and experience

2.6.       you analyze the effect of characters, plot, setting, language, topic, style, purpose, and point of view on