[MOSAIC] Do You Test Those Well Above Your Benchmark?

[Ljackson]

Wow!  Level 28 is a high benchmark.  We stuck with 20--which is higher than the DRA@ itself recommends.  Our reasoning is we didn't want to push children to written response any sooner and Reading Recovery has set 20 as their success mark for end of year reading.  Our Reading Recovery teachers have noted that their students are typically working in an instructional setting with materials at 24 and above before they test out at a 20.  We have witnessed a difference between RR testing and DRA testing for years, with kids typically DRAing several levels below the RR levels.  Therefore, to be proficient at the end of first grade we believe children should read at an 18 and those reading at 20 are considered proficient.  This does not mean we don't teach to readers at higher levels, only that we do not DRA them beyond this level. Teachers need to feel validated in their own day-to-day assessments--running records, checklists, written summary--and we report to parents where children are in terms of DRA and classroom instruction.  For example, your child has met the DRA2 ceiling for first grade (20) and is reading texts at a level 24 instructional settings.  



Lori Jackson
District Literacy Coach and Mentor
Todd County School District
Box 87
Mission SD 5755

----- Original message -----
From: Mary Kendall <mkendall7 at nc.rr.com>
To: mosaic at literacyworkshop.org
Date: 2008, 02, Friday Of May 04:55
Subject: [MOSAIC] Do You Test Those Well Above Your Benchmark?

> Let's say you have children who test at Level 28 or above at the end of
> first grade on the DRA. Do you test them again in second grade? They have
> already met your exiting benchmark of Level 28. I'm curious about how you
> all handle the pressures of time and testing. Should you simply leave it to
> the classroom teacher's discretion since he or she has worked with the child
> and knows how well they do read?  Those really accomplished readers often
> handle the DRA with no trouble very early on.
> 
> Mary
> 
> 
> 
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