Quantitative research methods were used including observations and tallies of reading rates, data compilation, generation of scatterplots, and descriptive statistical analysis of the results. The research focused on observations of 69 fourth graders from two fourth grade classes in a private parochial elementary school in Las Vegas, Nevada. The students each read a 198-word passage to measure oral reading rate. A positive relationship between oral reading rate and reading comprehension was then determined. As a result, teachers may be able to use an oral reading rate test to design curriculum before the Terra Nova achievement test is administered in September. This study provides a tool for more meaningful individualized instruction in reading before achievement tests are administered in September
