Reading Core Content Descriptors and Assessment Values
Elementary School
Informational (25%)
Informational Reading includes a variety of selections such as excerpts form scientific journals,
cultural and news magazines, and newspaper articles. Informational Reading requires the application
of unique techniques and strategies in order to interpret text effectively.
 Use pictures, lists, tables, graphs, tables of contents, indexes, glossaries, headings, and captions
to more completely understand the passage.
 Identify how the passage is organized: sequence, cause and effect, and/or comparison.
 Identify main ideas and details which support them.
 Make predictions and draw conclusions based on what is read.
 Connect the content of the passage to real life and/or current events.
Literary (50%)
Literary Reading includes short stories, novels, essays, poetry, and plays. Literary reading has
traditionally formed the foundation of reading and consists of a broad range of classical and modern
texts. The passages represent both historical and cultural perspectives.
 Understand the meaning of a passage taken from texts recognized as appropriate for elementary
school students.
 Know the differences among fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and plays.
 Describe characters, plot, setting, and conflict of a story.
 Explain a character’s actions based on a passage.
 Connect literature to real life.
Persuasive (10%)
Persuasive reading includes excerpts form speeches, editorials, and advertisements. In order for
students to respond as critical thinkers, they must possess the skills which allow them to distinguish
between fact and opinion in reading materials.
 Identify the author’s opinion about a subject.
 Identify fact and opinion.
 Identify information which is supported by fact.
Practical/Workplace (15%)
Practical/Workplace reading includes excerpts from warranties, recipes, forms, memoranda, consumer
texts, and “how to” manuals. Students must possess the skills to interpret this data and follow
instructions for everyday purposes.
 Follow directions in a passage.
 Explain why the correct sequence of activities is important.
 Interpret specialized vocabulary found in practical reading passages.
 Identify information which provides additional clarity (bold-face print, italics, illustrations).
 Locate and apply appropriate information.