1. Using the DRA 4-8 to Drive Instruction
Presented by Dr. Michelle Kelley

2. Why Use the DRA 4-8? It reflects what good readers do
(pp. 6-7 TG).
It is comprehensive.
It is valid, it measures what it says it measures and

3. Why Use the DRA 4-8? It is authentic- real books, real tasks.
It has both 2 narrative and 2 non-fiction texts at L (pp TG).

4. Why Use the DRA 4-8? It pinpoints deficits for instructional focus.
It identifies strengths and weaknesses.
It gives you an independent reading level.

5. Developmental Reading Assessment 4-8 (and Bridge)
DETERMINATIONS  
Engagement 
Oral Reading/Fluency
Comprehension 
Overall Reading Stage
DRA 4-8 STEPS
STEP 1:Student Reading Survey
STEP 2:One-on-One Reading Conference
STEP 3:Independent Student Work
STEP 4:Teacher Analysis

6. Step 1: Student Reading Survey
Done whole class (BM SS 1-4/pp TG).
Takes minutes.
Assesses engagement (wide reading and self-assessment & goal-setting)
pp TG completed sample

7. Step 2: One on One Conference
Takes 5 minutes.
Student or teacher selects a text to be read (pp TG).
Teacher takes an oral reading record (p. 96 TG).

8. Step 2: Oral Reading/Fluency
Teacher times reading for rate.
Teacher notes phrasing & expression as child reads.
Teacher determines if text is appropriate by accuracy rate (97% or as indicated on form).

9. What happens if the child is below 97%?
You will want to use the Bridge (see TE).
It covers L , includes some narrative and non-fiction.
It gives the teacher the option of having the student write or writing for the student.

10. Step 3: Independent Student Work Comprehension
Without the text the student makes a written prediction (p. 50 TG).
Student reads the remaining text silently.
Student may use the text to write responses to questions (summary, literal, interpretation, reflection and metacognitive awareness).
Time varies minutes.

11. Step 4: Teacher Analysis
Rubric: 1, 2, 3 or 4 p. 54 TG
Different rubric for narr. p. 31 vs. non-fiction p. 33.
Examples are provided p TG
Section areas are totaled (engagement, oral fluency, and comprehension).

12. Step 4: Teacher Analysis
Area scores are combined with the text level read to determine overall reading stage p, 26 TG.
Complete a focus for instruction sheet for each child p. 34/ pp TG.
Create a class profile p. 35 TG.

13. School Implications
Student Folders p. 36 TG.
Student Graph p. 36 TG.

14. So, when do I give the DRA 4-8?
Option 1- Over a 3-3 week period during reading workshop or ssr (a few kids at a time).
Option 2- Extend reading and writing workshop to a 2-3 hour block (pool books- whole class).
Option 3- Get a substitute so you can conduct the assessment p TG.

15. Now Let’s Practice…