what is dra

DRA stands for Developmental Reading Assessment, which is an individually administered assessment of student reading proficiency. The DRA allows teachers to determine each students instructional level for reading and provides a method for evaluating their individual reading growth over time. The assessment measures how accurately a student can read the words in a selected book or passage, how fluently the student reads, and whether a student can understand what they have read. The DRA helps teachers to identify students independent reading level by assessing students oral reading fluency and comprehension. The levels range from A/1 (emergent reader) to 80 (advanced reader) in elementary school. Teachers use DRA results, along with the results of other assessments, to determine whether students are reading on, above, or below grade level. By knowing student DRA levels, teachers can plan for small group, guided reading instruction, including targeted interventions and supplemental support.