Understanding and Using Reading Assessment, K-12

“Afflerbach is without question one of the world’s leading authorities on reading assessment. I strongly and unreservedly recommend the fourth edition of this seminal text. Afflerbach goes beyond assessment in the well-recognized competencies of reading—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—to additional critical and often-neglected areas, such as metacognition, motivation, engagement, and self-assessment. If you are interested in taking a deeper dive into the complexities of reading assessment and gaining a fuller understanding of what it means to assess students’ reading, then you must have this book.”

—Timothy Rasinski, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Literacy Education, Kent State University


“Understanding and Using Reading Assessment has long been a staple text in my literacy coursework. The fourth edition includes timely, essential updates, with chapters addressing digital and critical reading and early reading assessment; a clear equity lens throughout; and a focus on how assessment relates to the science of reading. Afflerbach translates current research into pragmatic classroom approaches that lead to students developing as stronger readers.”

—Danielle V. Dennis, PhD, Dean, Feinstein College of Education, University of Rhode Island


“Afflerbach successfully achieves his goal of showing how assessment can be enlisted in ways to support teachers as they seek to engage diverse learners in rich literacy experiences. Beyond being discerning consumers of assessments, teachers can use various types of assessments in the service of enhancing their teaching as well as what and how students learn. Featuring illustrative examples, the book provides a comprehensive review of reading assessment that is both user friendly and evidence based.”

—Robert J. Tierney, PhD, Dean and Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, Canada


“In this classic text, Afflerbach thoroughly and compellingly addresses the foundational assessment content underlying reading development, from large-scale, high-stakes testing to arguably the more consequential consideration for assessment—the day-to-day individual classroom and the unique learners within that classroom. Among the unique aspects of the fourth edition is Afflerbach's attention to assessment of critical reading across disciplines and formats, including in digital environments. The volume masterfully develops the assessment aspect of the accomplished teacher's repertoire.”

—Shane Templeton, PhD, Foundation Professor Emeritus of Literacy Studies, University of Nevada, Reno