Philippine E-Journals

A Comparative Study on the Reading Ability of Grade 6 Students from Public and Private Schools

Leri Kristine Chiarra B. Panaligan | Agnes C. Garcia | Khendy L. Ortiz

 

Abstract:

The reading ability of Filipino students is a persistent problem in the country. Reading being the underpinning of academic achievement, the study looked into the reading ability of Grade 6 students. The study is descriptive - comparative. The participants of the study were Grade 6 students from a public school in Lipa City, Batangas and Grade 6 students from a private school in Pasig City. The Diagnostic Placement Tests & Phonics Survey Assessment for Grade 6 from Scholastic was used as the main tool for measuring the reading ability of the students. The data was statistically analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation, and t-test for independent samples. The study findings revealed that grade six students from private schools have better reading ability than their counterparts in terms of (a) phonics and (b) vocabulary. However, more public-school students have a reading ability that is appropriate for their grade level in terms of comprehension. Lastly, the overall score shows that there might be more poor readers in private schools. The study recommends the following: improvement of school and home environment for the development of better reading ability among students through (a) strengthening of English – related activities for reading, especially for phonics and vocabulary – building in school and (b) intensification of parental involvement in the learning process.