Developmental Reading Assessment:

This assessment is given to all students in grades K-3 who are reading text. Each teacher in grades K-3 should have a Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA). The directions for administration from the publisher should be followed in given the assessment. District protocols that specify directions for our district are listed below. If you do not have a DRA kit, please let your building literacy coach know.

Administration: Classroom teacher, Title or Special Ed Teacher, Literacy Coach. Parent and community volunteers should not administer the DRA.

Use the DRA to find the student’s Independent Reading Level. A student’s Independent Reading Level is the DRA Level at which they read with at least 94% accuracy and have Adequate (16) comprehension. If the student does not score at Adequate Comprehension, STOP the assessment. Do not continue that book or proceed to a higher level. Go back down to the level at which they are reading Independently (successful at both accuracy and comprehension).

District Protocols:

1.  DO NOT test beyond one year above grade level (Maximum Exceeding Score on the District Proficiency Guidelines). For a student who is above that level, select “Yes” to the question “DRA level beyond ___?” on the District Assessment Website when entering the score.

2.  Refer to Teacher Resource Guide for Conferencing Guidelines for each DRA level pages 18-19.

3.  In Sept/Oct, use the student’s portfolio from the previous year to establish student’s starting level for assessment.

4.  For a new student to the district, use Locater Guide in Teacher Resource Guide on pages 20-21.

  1. Listen to books child chooses to read and pick DRA levels accordingly.
  2. Choose 3 DRA books similar to level of child’s free choice book.
  3. Use STAR as ballpark only guide to choose 3 DRA books to offer child as a choice.
  4. Have child read first paragraphs of DRA level book of choice to quickly assess if level is appropriate for child to continue assessment.

5.  Only keep most current DRA test (DRA Observation Guide)at year-end for each student to place in portfolio to send on to next grade’s teacher . Shred others (unless necessary for permanent files like special education or Title)

6.  When recording the DRA level on the District Assessment Website, enter the DRA Level that the student passed BOTH accuracy and comprehension.

7.  Fluency: Please indicate Fluency on DRA Observation Guide, even though it will not be reported to the district. Use either a fluency word per minute rate (Level 14 or higher only) OR indicate the type of phrasing from the DRA continuum (word by word, short phrasing, inconsistent, or longer phrasing). Do not hold a student back a level due to fluency. Fluency is a teaching point.

GLE guidelines for Fluency Rate are:

·  End of first grade: 50-65 wpm

·  End of second grade: 90-110 wpm

·  End of third grade: 110-120 wpm

8.  When indicating Comprehension Score, please write Total Score NOT Adequate, Some or Very Good.