Excerpt from Liberty and Justice for All
Beacon Learning Center Web Lesson
It would be hard to pinpoint one reason why the colonists went to war against England for their
independence. It was more like a series of events that led to the reasons for the American Revolution. My
mind goes back to the French and Indian War. Back in the 1750s, all was going well for the colonists. Settlers
were pioneering westward in the New World. Then a dispute happened. It seems the English colonists,
Indians, and the French all claimed ownership of the land west of the Appalachian Mountains. They tried to
settle this dispute peacefully, but they could not. The French and Indian War was declared. The French and
Indians fought together against the English colonists from 1754 until 1763.
England helped the colonists during the war. In the end, the colonists were victorious. Yet, disputes over
the land continued. Soon, the conflict was between the colonists and England. In the Proclamation of 1763,
signed by King George III of England, the colonists were prohibited from settling west of the Appalachian
Mountains. Those already living in this area had to return east. This was only the beginning of conflict
between the colonists and England. As you will soon see, the colonists disliked many of England's ways to
stay in control.
Comprehension questions for Excerpt from Liberty and Justice for All
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What is the main idea of the passage?
What significant events mentioned in this passage, led to the American Revolution?
Who were the people involved in the French and Indian War?
Did the French and Indian War settle the land dispute? Provide evidence to support your answer.
What were the negative effects of the Proclamation of 1763 on the English colonists?
Example #1 - Sandi
Sandi is an eighth grade student who excels in language arts and history. She usually reads classroom
texts with good expression without much difficulty. The running record, completed by Ms. Gibson while
Sandi read, is presented below.
Excerpt from Liberty and Justice for All
Miscue
Omission
Insertion
Given/Not
Known
Cueing
Systems
It would be hard to pinpoint one reason why the 10
colonists went to war against England for their independence. It
20
was more like a series of events that led to 30
the reasons for the American Revolution. My mind goes back 40
to the French and Indian War. Back in the 1750s, 50
all was going well for the colonists. Settlers were pioneering 60
despite
westward in the New World. Then a dispute happened. It 70
1
V
seems the English colonists, Indians, and the French all claimed 80
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Reading 1: Foundations of Instruction
2015
SC
ownership of the land west of the Appalachian Mountains. They 90
despite
tried to settle this dispute peacefully, but they could not. 100
1
V
1
V
3
3V
The French and Indian War was declared. The French and 110
Indians fought together against the English colonists from 1754 until120
1763. England helped the colonists during the war. In the 130
despite
end, the colonists were victorious. Yet, disputes over the land 140
continued. Soon, the conflict was between the colonists and England. 150
In the Proclamation of 1763, signed by King George III 160
SC
of England, the colonists were prohibited from settling west of 170
the Appalachian Mountains. Those already living in this area had 180
to return east. This was only the beginning of conflict 190
between the colonists and England. As you will soon see, 200
Stop
/
the colonists disliked many of England's ways to stay in 210
control.
211
Words read = 211 (in .75 min)
Totals
Analyzing the Running Record
Sandi read 207 words in one minute. Of the 207 words read, she made 3 errors. To calculate the accuracy rate,
subtract the total number of errors from the total number of words read: 207 – 3 = 204. This is the number of
words read correctly. Then, divide the number of words read correctly by the total number of words read and
multiply by 100: 204 ÷ 207 = .985 X 100 = 98.5 or 99%. By looking at the Key Concept below, we know that this
student is reading on the independent level.
To calculate the oral reading rate, divide the number of words read correctly by the number of minutes: 204 ÷ 1
minute = 204 WPM.
Key Concept: Levels of Texts
Independent Level: 95 – 100% accuracy with at least 90% comprehension
Can read text independently without assistance.
Instructional Level: 90 – 94% accuracy with at least 75% comprehension
Can read text with instructional assistance.
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Reading 1: Foundations of Instruction
2015
Frustration Level: Below 90% accuracy with below 74% comprehension
Has great difficulty reading text even with assistance.
Sandi answered all five comprehension questions correctly, so Mrs. Gibson determined that Sandi comprehended
as she read and the accuracy and oral reading rates are valid.
Using the Running Record as a Diagnostic Tool
The running record above gives us some important information about this reader. Since all of Sandi’s miscues are
graphophonic or visual cues (denoted by the V in the running record) we know that she is having some problem
analyzing a word phonetically or attempting to recall it from prior experience. It appears that Sandi guesses
based on the consonants in the word. She needs to look at the whole word, specifically, the vowels in the word.
Therefore, some specific phonics instruction targeting vowel sounds may help correct her area of weakness.
Example #2 – Jorge
Jorge is an eighth grade LEP student. His first language is Spanish, but he appears to speak and comprehend both
social language (BICS) and academic language (CALP) in English. He usually reads historical books with interest.
When reading text aloud, Jorge uses some expression. His running record, as completed by Mrs. Gibson, is shown
below. Jorge answered only one of the five comprehension questions correctly.
Excerpt from Liberty and Justice for All
Miscue
Omission
Insertion
Given/Not
Known
Cueing
Systems
It would be hard to pinpoint one reason why the 10
SC
colonists went to war against England for their independence. It
20
was more like a series of events that led to 30
the reasons for the American Revolution. My mind goes back 40
to the French and Indian War. ack in the 1750s, 50
SC
SC
all was going well for the colonists. Settlers were pioneering 60
SC
SC
westward in the New World. Then a dispute happened. It 70
SC
seems the English colonists, Indians, and the French all claimed 80
SC Stop
ownership of the land west of the Appalachian
/ Mountains. They 90
tried to settle this dispute peacefully, but they could not.
100
The French and Indian War was declared. The French and 110
Indians fought together against the English colonists from 1754 until120
1763. England helped the colonists during the war. In the 130
end, the colonists were victorious. Yet, disputes over the land 140
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Reading 1: Foundations of Instruction
2015
continued. Soon, the conflict was between the colonists and England. 150
In the Proclamation of 1763, signed by King George III 160
of England, the colonists were prohibited from settling west of 170
the Appalachian Mountains. Those already living in this area had 180
to return east. This was only the beginning of conflict 190
between the colonists and England. As you will soon see, 200
he colonists disliked many of England's ways to stay in 210
control.
211
Totals
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Words read = 88
Reading 1: Foundations of Instruction
2015