Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA)
The Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) is an individually administered assessment of a student’s reading capabilities. It is a tool to be used by teachers to identify a student's reading level, accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Once levels are identified, a teacher can use this information for instructional planning purposes.
DRA Testing
The DRA test is administered on a semi-annual basis here in Winslow. The test measures nine categories of reading behavior and six types of errors.
How DRA Levels and Testing Work Together
Tasks measured by the DRA test are divided into several skill sets. Rhyming, alliteration, segmentation, and phonemic awareness are tested in the phonemic awareness section. Letter naming, word-list reading, spelling, decoding, analogies, structural analysis, and syllabication are tested in the alphabetic principle/phonics portions. Oral reading fluency or words per minute for contextual reading are tested under fluency. Vocabulary, comprehension, and reading engagement skills are also measured in the test.
After the test is evaluated and scored, your child is assigned a numeric (or alphanumeric for very early readers) DRA level A1 through 80. Children with stronger reading abilities yield higher numbers. Teachers are easily able to give students books they can read by choosing a text with the corresponding DRA level.
Winslow Elementary Assessment Calendar 2024-2025
Assessment Calendar 2024-2025.pdf