Research School Network: IN PERSON TRAINING EVENT: Diagnostic Assessment Reading Closing the reading gap through purposeful assessment

Understanding why a pupil struggles with reading is essential before determining how to help them. This course goes beyond generic assessments to explore what diagnostic reading assessment should look like, and how to interpret the data in meaningful ways.

We’ll explore the EEF Reading House and what we mean by ​‘reading comprehension’ from a cognitive science perspective. Using tools such as Jessie Ricketts’ reading decision tree, we’ll help you distinguish between word reading and language comprehension difficulties — and match pupils to the most appropriate interventions.

> Develop or refine a diagnostic model for reading in your school
> Conduct effective data reviews to shape your intervention priorities
> Equip staff with the information they need to teach and support struggling readers
> Align interventions with classroom practice to ensure sustainable, joined-up provision
> Apply a whole-school approach to reading that supports long-term progress

> The science of reading and the EEF Reading House: what it tells us about barriers
> Jessie Ricketts’ decision tree: a practical tool for identifying reading profiles
> Understanding and analysing reading test data (e.g., NGRT and others)
> Matching students to the right interventions using the EEF TARGET model
> Moving beyond reading ages: using stanines, standardised scores and diagnostics
> The role of fluency and decoding—and how to intervene effectively
> Common pitfalls in assessment and intervention planning
> Systematising reading support: documentation, communication and Wave 1 links
> Ensuring equity for vulnerable groups: putting systems in place to monitor, review and act