Welcome to Research on DIBELS
This website is devoted to the collection of independent research about the early-reading skills assessment, the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy (DIBELS).
All articles (published or unpublished), presentations, or other DIBELS research are welcome for submission.
Featured Article
Regie Routman against DIBELS
World renowned teacher and author, Regie Routman has a new website that devotes an entire page to research, articles and testimonials critical of DIBELS. Routman also states in her new book, Teaching Essentials, that “there is overwhelming research showing that DIBELS does not improve reading achievement” (Routman 2008, p. 40).
Recent News
Olson, L. (2007, May 2). “DIBELS involved in ‘Reading First’ controversies”. Education Week 26(35), p. 31.
Excerpted from the article:
Although teachers in the Moriarty, N.M., public schools report positive experiences with the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, or DIBELS, the assessments have generated a lot of controversy nationally.
The assessment tool, developed by researchers at the University of Oregon, is now approved for use under the federal Reading First program [...]
Recent Study
Schilling, S. G., Carlisle, J. F., Scott, S. E., & Zeng, J. (2007). Are fluency measures accurate predictors of reading achievement? Elementary School Journal, 107(5), 429-448.
Abstract
This study focused on the predictive validity of fluency measures that comprise Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS). Data were gathered from first through third graders attending 44 schools in 9 districts or local educational agencies that made up the first Reading First cohort in Michigan. Students were administered DIBELS subtests in the [...]
