You've Given The Test...Now What?

It's about that time of year for assessing students and their reading skills.  We use the DRA and the IRI at our school to measure the progress of reading.  I think teachers sometimes feel like the assessments they have to give are just one more thing on their already crowded teacher plan.  I was a classroom teacher for 16 years so I get it.  But there really is a reason for giving this test.  The DRA is not the end goal.  It's a way of letting you know where you need to go from here in your literacy instruction.

I start by giving all my DRA tests to all my students.  Lots of piles on my tables!

As I go, I like to code the tests at the top of the test booklets.  This is a quick way for me to glance at the tests and know what the student is needing more instruction in to move forward.  F goes at the top for fluency and C for comprehension.

Take a few moments to look over the tests and analyze why the student was having any difficulties.  Write the names, level and codes on Post It Notes or index cards.  The notes or cards can be easily moved around so you can group the students to help you see who all needs more instruction in specific areas.  Use whatever codes that make sense to you.  The goal is to not just give the test, but to use the information you get from it to guide your instruction.

I also like to keep anecdotal records on my students.  Get in the habit of having your anecdotal notebook with you and jot notes as you listen to students read.  This is a great way to keep track of what each student is doing.  It is provides wonderful documentation for parents and administrators if they want to know exactly how a specific student is doing in reading or what you are working on to move them forward in reading skills.

This is another way of organizing your goals for each group so you can keep track of your teaching focus for each group at a glance.

Don't forget our Sharing Our Blessings hop that I posted last week!  Each teacher is giving away two $25 TpT gift cards.  AND today you can get a FREE resource from each one of us!  This is only available today and tomorrow then the resource will not be free anymore.  So don't miss it!  Click here or the picture to be taken there!