Reading Assessment Tools
High Decodable R-CBM Passages
Reliable and valid Highly Decodable Reading CBM passages for universal screening and progress monitoring of Kindergarten and Grade 1 students.
What Are R-CBM Passages?
Curriculum-Based Measurement for Early Readers
Reading Curriculum-Based Measurement (R-CBM) is one of the most researched and validated tools available for assessing early reading fluency. Dr. Shinn's Highly Decodable R-CBM Passages are specifically designed to align with systematic phonics instruction, making them ideal for use in schools implementing Science of Reading-aligned curricula.
Unlike traditional R-CBM passages that may contain irregular or high-frequency words beyond a student's decoding level, these passages are carefully constructed to include only phonetically regular words matched to a typical K–1 phonics scope and sequence. This ensures that fluency scores reflect true decoding skill — not memorized sight words.
These passages are appropriate for universal screening (3x per year) and frequent progress monitoring (weekly or bi-weekly) for students receiving Tier 2 or Tier 3 intervention.
Key Features
What Makes These Passages Different
Highly Decodable Text
Passages contain a high % of phonetically regular words aligned to a systematic phonics scope and sequence — few irregular words that students may not have learned to navigate.
Reliable & Valid
Developed and validated using rigorous psychometric methods consistent with 40+ years of CBM research. Scores are reliable across administrations and raters.
Kindergarten & Grade 1
Specifically designed and field tested and use with earliest readers. Multiple passage sets available for screening and progress monitoring throughout the school year.
MTSS-Ready
Designed for use within a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework. Supports Tier 1 universal screening, Tier 2 progress monitoring, and Tier 3 intensive monitoring.
Science of Reading Aligned
Fully compatible with Science of Reading-based core curricula. Decodable text ensures assessment reflects actual phonics instruction.
Easy to Administer
Standard CBM administration procedures — one minute, one-on-one. Minimal training required. Scoring is straightforward with clear decision rules with qualitative reading features.
Read the Research Study
Download the peer-reviewed research study validating the psychometric properties of the Highly Decodable R-CBM Passages. Free to download.
Download Free PDFHow Schools Use These Passages
Four Ways Schools Put Them to Work
Universal Screening
Administer to K–1 students two times per year (March-end of year, and Grade 1 students three times, fall, winter, spring) to identify students at risk for reading difficulties, including dyslexia.
Progress Monitoring
Use monthly with Kindergarten students beginning in March for Universal Progress Monitoring to promote positive growth and development and weekly or bi-weekly with students receiving Tier 2 or Tier 3 reading intervention to ensure intervention is reducing the gap.
Special Education Eligibility
Provide objective, standardized data on Performance and Progress Discrepancies to support or rule out Specific Learning Disability (SLD) identification under IDEA.
Goal Setting
Write IEP goals and Tier 2/3 intervention targets that reduce the gap.
How to Order
Get the Passages
To purchase or learn more about the Highly Decodable R-CBM Passages, contact Dr. Shinn directly. Pricing is available for individual schools, districts, and state agencies.
Highly Decodable R-CBM Passages (K–1 Set)
$29.99
- K–1 passage sets for full school year
- Universal screening & progress monitoring
- Highly decodable, phonics-aligned text
- Volume pricing available for districts
Volume pricing available for districts & state agencies. Contact Dr. Shinn
Questions About R-CBM or MTSS Implementation?
Dr. Shinn offers bespoke webinars and consultation on MTSS screening, progress monitoring, dyslexia identification, and more.