Study Reaffirms Correlation Between
Fluency and Reading Achievement
Many studies have shown a strong correlation between reading fluency and reading achievement. A Florida study reaffirms this finding in its own comparison of scores from the Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) test and the reading comprehension portion of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test-Sunshine State Standards (FCAT-SSS).
In a study by the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR), authors Dr. Julie Buck and Dr. Joseph Torgeson examined data provided by 13 schools in a Florida school district. The students were classified as 83% white, 7% African American, and 6% Hispanic. Almost half (46%) of the students received free or reduced lunch, indicating low socioeconomic status.
The study compared the students' median ORF scores with their FCAT-SSS comprehension scores, their FCAT-SSS math scores, and the comprehension results from the FCAT norm-referenced test (FCAT-NRT).
As expected, there was a strong correlation between the students’ ORF scores and the FCAT-SSS comprehension scores, with validity coefficient of 0.70. (A value of 1.0 indicates a 100% correlation.)
Ninety-one percent of the students with ORF scores of 110 words correct per minute or higher also attained achievement level 3 or higher on the FCAT-SSS test. Students at FCAT-SSS achievement level 3 or higher are considered to be at or above their grade level in reading.
There was also a strong correlation between the students’ ORF scores and the FCAT-NRT comprehension scores, with a validity coefficient of 0.74. Interestingly, there was even a significant correlation between the students’ ORF scores and their FCAT-SSS math scores, with a validity coefficient of 0.53.
The complete results of the FCRR study are published in a technical report entitled, "The Relationship Between Performance on a Measure of Oral Reading Fluency and Performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test," that is available on the FCRR website.