Measuring Word Reading and Pseudoword Decoding in Struggling Readers Using the Test Of Word Reading Efficiency-Second Edition (TOWRE-2) and the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-Third Edition (WIAT-III)

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the basic word reading skills measured by the Test of Word Reading Efficiency, 2nd Edition (TOWRE-2) alone provides sufficient information to diagnose dyslexia instead of using both the TOWRE-2 and Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 3rd Edition (WIAT-III) as is current practice at the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia. Benefits of using only one test might include reduced testing time, less child fatigue, more efficient use of staff resources and clearer diagnostic information. The TOWRE-2 assesses both fluency and decoding and the WIAT-III assesses only decoding. Reading researchers agree that dyslexia is characterized by poor word reading and decoding (e.g., Mody, & Shaywitz, 2006). TOWRE-2 mean scores were significantly lower than WIAT-III mean scores for both dyslexic and non-dyslexic groups suggesting that the TOWRE-2 provides the lowest estimate of decoding ability.