Computer-based Reading Assessment Pilot Report
In February 2022, ACR–Philippines initiated conversations with USAID and the Philippines
Department of Education (DepEd) on developing a prototype technology to enable
automated assessment and scoring of learners’ oral reading fluency, listening, and reading
comprehension skills. The idea resonated with DepEd leadership for several reasons. During
the school years of 2020-2022, the COVID-19 Pandemic made face-to-face assessments
challenging, particularly in remote learning settings. Teachers were stretched in time and
resources to assess learners one-on-one their reading skills against the most essential
learning competencies. Further, other international assessments like PISA use a computerbased
format, and this will be an opportunity to understand how well-prepared students are
to take computer-based tests.
In response, ACR-Philippines sought to produce a ‘proof of concept’ that explores the
feasibility of a self-administered computer-based reading assessment (CoBRA) in English
and Filipino for students in the Philippines. The technology would incorporate voicerecognition
software to enable students to read directly into their device. The software would
automate the score of the students’ reading scores through an artificial-intelligence (AI)
algorithm designed to calculate words-per-minute (wpm) and reading accuracy rate. The
platform will produce reports providing students, parents, and/or teachers immediate
feedback on their performance. This is a report of that pilot experience.