Timed repeated readings must be done utilizing books or passages the learner has read before that are at an independent reading level (i.e., books the learner can read with 95% accuracy or above). Most timed repeated reading sessions must include three to four rereadings of the same content.

Learning Outcome

• Speed
• Accuracy
• Expression
• Comprehension

Implementation

1. Select a short passage for reading practice. The passage must be too long for learners to memorize. Different passages may be used for diverse learners, and learners may help to select the passage.
2. Model reading a different passage aloud. Discuss the importance of fluency and accuracy in reading as well as phrasing and expression for comprehension. Also, note the importance of practice in cultivating fluency.
3. Utilizing a one-minute timer, have each learner do an initial reading of the passage.
4. Learners read the passage aloud (to her/himself or a partner), underlines any unknown words, and makes a vertical line after the last word read when the timer goes off. The learner or partner counts the number of words read correctly in one minute.
5. The instructor circulates among learners, helps learners read any unknown words, and sets a new target rate for each learner based on their initial rate. The new target rate must be high enough that the learner will need to practice the passage several times; For instance, if a learner read 60 words per minute on the first read, the new target rate would be 60 + 24, or 84 words per minute.
6. Learners do multiple rereadings of their passages until they reach their target rates.
7. If learners are working in pairs, they must alternate roles of reading aloud vs. keeping track of time and counting words.
8. Learners who maintain their target rates on multiple passages over multiple class sessions may increase their target rates by another 40 percent.