A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n
Attachment to Secretary Riley's April 29, 1997 Statement on Voluntary National Tests for Reading and Math
Fourth Grade Reading Achievement
The following sample passage is from Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White. Similar to NAEP items, it helps illustrate the kinds of skills expected of students.
Having promised Wilbur that she would save his life, she was determined to keep her promise. Charlotte was naturally patient. She knew from experience that if she waited long enough, a fly would come to her web; and she felt sure that if she thought long enough about Wilbur's problem, an idea would come to her mind. Finally, one morning toward the middle of July, the idea came. "Why how perfectly simple!" she said to herself. "The way to save Wilbur's life is to play a trick on Zuckerman. If I can fool a bug," thought Charlotte, "I can surely fool a man. People are not as smart as bugs."
- Students at the basic level are able to read the passage and tell what Charlotte promised Wilbur.
- Students at the proficient level are also able to describe why Charlotte thought she could fool Zuckerman.
- Students at the advanced level recognize that Charlotte compares waiting for ideas to entrapping a fly.
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Last Updated -- April 29, 1997, (pjk)