TOWRE-2

The TOWRE-2 is individually-administered and takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

The instrument contains two subtests that contain four alternate forms, A through D. The Sight Word Efficiency (SWE) subtest assesses the number of real words printed in vertical lists that an individual can accurately identify within 45 seconds. Similarly, the Phonemic Decoding Efficiency (PDE) subtest measures the number of pronounceable nonwords presented in vertical lists that an individual can accurately decode within 45 seconds. The four forms of each subtest are of equivalent difficulty, and any of the forms of each subtest may be given depending on the purposes of the assessment. If only one form of each test is used, the test can be administered in approximately 5 minutes, including time for directions and practice items.

The average alternate forms reliability coefficients (content sampling) for the subtests exceed .90. The average test–retest (time sampling) coefficients for the same form exceed .90. The average test–retest (time sampling) coefficients for different forms of the subtests are .87. The magnitude of the coefficients reported from all the reliability studies evidenced little measurement error in the TOWRE–2. The numerous reliability and validity studies presented in the manual provide the examiner with strong evidence concerning the strengths and limitations of the scores provided by the test.

The TOWRE–2 was normed on over 1,700 individuals ranging in age from 6 to 24 years and residing in 12 states and Washington, DC. Over 700 children in the norming sample attended elementary school (through Grade 5), where the TOWRE–2 is expected to have its widest use.