Choosing a test type and level
The subtests
In order to allow for natural development in the component skills as children get older and ensure that the test gives accurate results, the subtests that should be administered for Rapid vary slightly depending on the age of the student. The correct subtests to be administered are listed below.
Though the subtests vary, the underlying cognitive processes involved are essentially the same. The cognitive areas assessed by the subtests in Rapid assess phonological and memory skills that are known to impact on literacy.
Subtests for students aged 4:0-7:11
|
Subtest |
Description |
|
Rhymes |
Rhymes is a test of phonological awareness, involving detection of rhyme (for students aged 4–6) and rhyme and alliteration (for students aged 7). |
|
Races |
Races is a test of auditory sequential memory using animal names. It starts with lists of three animals and progresses up to four animals (for students aged 4–6) or five animals (for students aged 7). |
|
Crayons |
Crayons is a test of visual-verbal sequential memory, in which students are required to remember the order that different coloured crayons are presented in. |
Subtests for students aged 8:0-10:11
|
Subtest |
Description |
|
Word chopping |
Word chopping is a test of phonological processing using syllable and phoneme deletion. |
|
Mobile phone |
Mobile phone is a test of auditory sequential memory using digit span. |
|
Funny words |
Funny words is a test of phonic skills involving non-word reading. |
Subtests for students aged 11:0-15:11
|
Subtest |
Description |
|
Segments |
Segments is a test of phonological processing using syllable and phoneme deletion. |
|
Mobile phone |
Mobile phone is a test of auditory sequential memory using digit span. |
|
Non-words |
Non-words is a test of phonic skills involving non-word reading. |
The three subtests can be done in any order. The subtests do not have to be attempted at a single sitting; however full results cannot be obtained until the student has completed all three subtests.
If for any reason all three of the subtests are not completed in one sitting, it is possible to complete the remaining ones later. Completed subtests will be clearly marked with a tick.