The relationship between reading fluency and mathematical word problem solving:An exploratory study.

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between Oral Reading Fluency(ORF)scores and mathematics problem solving scores.The reading fluency scores were obtained from the Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy(DIBELS)assessment.The mathematics problem solving scores were obtained from the Indiana State Test of Education Progress Plus(ISTEP+)assessment.In addition,error patterns found in mathematics problem solving on ISTEP+and Acuity Diagnosis Tests were analysed.The purpose of the quantitative study was to determine if DIBELS ORF scores were correlated with mathematics problem solving ISTEP+ scores.A linear regression was conducted to determine the significance of the correlation.The purpose of the qualitative study was to determine error patterns found on the Mathematics Problem Solving portion of the ISTEP+ test and the Acuity Mathematics Diagnostic test.For both studies,the data were evaluated for the whole group,male group,and female group.For the qualitative analysis,data were also examined based on DIBELS oral reading fluency level.A total of 121 students in Grades 3,4 and 5 were used for the study.The students attended an inner city schools in the midwestern portion of Indiana.Several ethnic groups were represented,including Caucasian,Hispanic,African American and multiracial.The majority was from high poverty level homes and qualified for either free or reduced lunch services.