FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does T-PRO assess?
The Test of Primary Reading Outcomes (T-PRO) is an assessment designed to be used for diagnostic and intervention purposes. It tests the five key reading skills (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency) identified by the National Reading Panel as scientifically-proven to influence reading achievement.
How often is T-PRO administered?
T-PRO is designed to be administered two times a year. A Diagnostic Assessment is administered in the fall, and an Outcomes Assessment is administered in the spring.
How long does it take to administer the test?
It takes 1-2 hours per day over the course of one week.
Where can I find instructions for giving T-PRO?
All instructions for administering T-PRO are included in the teacher’s manual for each grade
level (K-3).
How can I determine if a computer meets the requirements for online testing?
This web page will perform a series of checks to see if a computer meets the system requirements to run the online assessment. If problems are found, they will appear in red, along with suggestions concerning how to fix the problem.
Is there a suggested schedule for administering the test?
Yes, from the T-PRO website menu, select Resources, then Teacher Tools for Test Administration, and then choose your grade level. Click on "Suggested Schedule for Administration of T-PRO" to download a guide.
Do I have to follow the test directions exactly?
Yes. For consistency and validity reasons, the directions for the test must be read exactly as written in the teacher manual.
Do students have a time limit on the T-PRO?
There is no time limit for how long students can spend on the test. In the fluency section, students are given a specific amount of time to read aloud. If a student does not finish in the allotted amount of time, he or she can continue reading in order to answer the comprehension questions, but words read after one minute do not count toward the fluency score.
If a student is unable to read the fluency passage, should I continue to tell him or her the words after the minute is up?
No. After one minute, allow the student to attempt to complete the passage, but do not tell him or her the words. We need to maintain the validity of the comprehension section. When the student has completed the passage to the best of his or her ability, proceed to the comprehension section.
How long should I allow the student to attempt to read the passage after one minute is up?
You should allow a student enough time to read the complete passage. Move onto the questions when the student is finished or you find that the student is frustrated and unable to continue.
How many times am I allowed to repeat a question in administering T-PRO?
You may repeat a question up to 2 times (so that a question is read a total of 3 times) only when prompted by a student.
Is there a writing component to the test?
Yes, however it is optional and is scored at the school level. The scoring guide is located on the CIA web site under Optional Writing Assessment.

My school is interested in purchasing tests to administer mid-year. Can we purchase additional tests?
At this time, CIA does not have any tests for purchase.
Do you have a T-PRO for the intermediate grades?
T-PRO was designed specifically to meet the assessment needs of primary grade classrooms. CIA does not currently offer an assessment for the intermediate grades, although we hope to soon.