PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

Summary of National CurriculumThe Romanian language is the main subject in the syllabus because language is essentialfor learning and provides the basis for clear and organized thinking. Also, learning theforms of correct expression enhances successful participation in the community.The main objectives for grades 1 and 2 include:• Developing an awareness of letter-sound correspondence in the Latin alphabet;• Mastering the technique of correct, conscious, and fluent reading, andunderstanding what was read; and• Developing the capacity to relate what they have read to their personalexperiences and beginning to understand the role of books in everyday life,through increased understanding of text.By grade 3, students have been exposed to the foundations of language and literacyand should be able to do the following:• Read 30–35 lines of text fluently, without syllabification, omission, or substitution;• Read an appropriate text silently and orally demonstrate understanding of the text;• Improve reading techniques and speed;• Develop personal opinions about texts; and• Begin elementary analysis of the text.The main objectives for grade 4 build upon the objectives in prior grades andincorporate the affective domain of reading. Specifically, grade-4 students should beable to:• Demonstrate expressive reading without pausing;• Identify the significance of the information contained in the text in theindicated source;• Realize the pleasure of reading;• Present detailed information after reading using adequate language;• Stimulate curiosity, imagination, and the habit of permanent reading;• Form the habit of systematic attendance at the library to become familiarized witha variety of texts, such as books, newspapers, and magazines; and• Manifest a conscious attitude towards what was read.PIRLS 2006 EncyclopediaThe goal of Romanian language instruction is for students to recognize and use theRomanian language orally, with elements of reading and writing beginning in grade 1and increasing in complexity as skills are learned in native language instruction. By theend of grade 4, students should be able to:• Listen to sounds, words, and sentences, and reproduce them;• Assimilate a certain minimum of lexical units and phraseological expressions;Republic of MoldovaTIMSS & PIRLSInternational Study CenterLynch School of Education, Boston College 265