I am linking up with Miss DeCarbo over at Sugar and Spice for Wordless Wednesday!
It is that time of year- end of the year assessment time! While time consuming, I find it so exciting to assess my students to see where they have progressed. We use the DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) for our reading test. I also use phonemic awareness screenings and letter recognition/letter sounds assessments for kindergarten. For grades 1-3, along with the DRA, I assess students with phonics.
I would love to know what your school uses to assess your students in reading and if you find the information useful or if it is just another test you have to give. I am always trying to tweak and improve what we do so knowing what others use would be very helpful!
Creativity to the Core says
Hey! Those green books are all too familiar! We use DRA2 also. Our kids have to have a 16 to get out of first grade…wondering if that is the same across the board?? I teach the high achieving group that goes on to gifted/high achieving, so my kids range from a DRA 28-40. Half of my firsties this year are at a 40! I actually find it very informative of their skills. But it still is CRAZINESS to test at a level 40 at 6/7 years old! On top of DRA we have our spring oral reading fluencies and end of the year assessment from the county.
lorivines4 says
I really like using the DRA2 kit. We also have a goal of level 16 for the end of first grade. I do know that some schools are raising that bar. Sounds like you have some excellent readers on your hands! 🙂
Sarah Turci says
We have the same! 16 is the end of first grade! I really enjoy this program because it does give you provide you with great instructional information. Our school district goes up to 40 in the DRA scale and then goes on to the Fountas and Pinnell after that. Fourth and fifth grade teachers will often use Fountas and Pinnell unless they have students below grade level. It can become a little confusing!!
lorivines4 says
Sarah, I like the DRA2 also. I think it is informative and accurate. We use the IRI after students pass the DRA level 38.
1stgradefireworks says
I start DRA tomorrow! Level 18 is end of year for Grade 1. I anticipate of my 26 students, 9 will be at level 18, 6-7 at levels 12-16, and 5 at levels 10-12, and 5 below level 8. We shall see….Wendy 1stgradefireworks
lorivines4 says
Good luck on those DRA tests! I hope they do great!
Jenn Snyder says
My school does not really assess reading levels. /= Fortunately, I was able to get my hands on a DRA kit and I use that. Otherwise, we use the STAR assessment from Renaissance Place.
Can I ask – for your 3rd graders, what phonics tools do you use with them? You only use that with those who need the phonics intervention (since I notice you do RTI) ?
Thanks!
Jenn
Take Me to Third Grade
lorivines4 says
Jenn, I am not using any phonics program for the 3rd graders. I just screen the low readers on phonics skills that should have been learned in second grade so we can target them during RtI. Thanks!
Miss DeCarbo says
We use DRA2 as well! 🙂 I started some today actually! 🙂 Thanks for linking up! 🙂
Christina
lorivines4 says
Good luck, Christina, on the DRA tests! I hope your students do great!
MrsS says
We use Fountas & Pinnell.
-Andrea
lorivines4 says
I have heard good things about Fountas and Pinnell. Thank you for coming by!
Paula B. says
We use Fountas and Pinnell as well.
lorivines4 says
Fountas and Pinnell are a pretty popular choice. Thank you for coming by my blog!
Barbara says
Our assessment isn't as formal as yours and we can use what we like. I check dolch site words and do running records year round.
You look exceptionally prepared, as always:)
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
lorivines4 says
You always have such kind things to say, Barb! Thank you for that!!
Mrs. Wheeler says
We use F&P Leveling kits. I like it that they have a writing component included. There's a fiction and non-fiction book for each level.
Megan 🙂
Megan
Mrs. Wheeler's First Grade
Mrs. Wheeler's TPT
lorivines4 says
Megan, I have heard good things about those leveling kits. It is important to assess students on both the fiction and nonfiction. Thank you for coming by my blog!
Tammy says
Our state requires a fluency reading test 3 times a year. Even though it's kind of one of those necessary evils, I was encouraged this spring to see how much growth there's been since the Fall especially considering how hard this year has been. They have learned something. 🙂
❀ Tammy
Forever in First