Middle Link

Language Arts

Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test (GMRT) for New-to-State Students

(Updated Fall 2007)

If you need reading assessment information on new-to-state students, you may use the Gates-MacGinitie (GMRT). This is the only use of the GMRT that is district approved. Please follow the guidelines below. For all other students, use SBA (Standards Based Assessment) results to help with placement issues along with other available testing information.

1. Testing materials may be borrowed from the Language Arts Department Chair, Reading Specialist, or Counseling Department Chair at your school. Please use the following test booklets:

   • 6th Grade – Level 6, Form S

   • 7th Grade – Level 7/9, Form S

   • 8th Grade – Level 7/9, Form T

2. Use Scantron answer sheets, form #25160, for quick scoring. Its numbering/lettering system is unique and matches the GMRT test questions.

3. Follow the Directions for Administration carefully. This is a timed test.

   • Vocabulary Subtest – 20 minutes

   • Comprehension Subtest – 35 minutes

4. Use the Manual for Scoring and Interpretation to convert raw scores to norming data. The Assessment Reporting System (ARS) accessed from the District Connection will no longer be available for converting raw scores to norming data; however, the data from past testing will stay in the system.

   • 6th Grade - pp. 46-47

   • 7th Grade - pp. 42-43

   • 8th Grade - pp. 56-57

5. Use the results from this assessment as a screening tool. A student who scores below 25% (percentile rank/PR) should be considered for a Reading Intervention class. For more information on the meaning of percentile ranks, refer to pp. 24-25 in the Manual for Scoring and Interpretation. Although other kinds of scores are available, percentile rank is the approved score to use. Common terminology implemented districtwide will result in improved communication among staff, parents, and students.

For more information on the GMRT, contact Amy Goodman (Middle School Literacy Support Teacher) at 742-4270.

Have questions? Need more information? Click logo for LA home page Stacy Miller Middle School Literacy Support Teacher miller_stacy@asdk12.org 907-742-6036