Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA2) Results

At the end of September, Heritage students in 1st-8th grades underwent a reading assessment to determine their performance compared to a nationally recognized measurment system (DRA). This system measures both reading fluency and comprehension and equips us to make more informed decisions about how to meet the needs of our children. Heritage students gave evidence of being exceptional readers with 92% reading at or above grade level. Of that 92%, 19% are reading a whole grade level (or higher) above where they need to be. Parents, I cannoth emphasize enough, how important it is for you to read with your children every night. To develop their proficiency, it is exceedingly important to set aside time for them to read aloud to you. Reading aloud provides a measure of accountability that children need to focus on developing the characteristics of good readers. For those students who exhibit excellent fluency, challenge them with questions that test their comprehension. Questions to ask would include, but are not limited to:

• Questions whose answers require the use of characters' names, traits, behavious, etc.
• Questions that require them to use vocabulary found in the reading material
• Questions that require them to summarize the plot
• Questions that require them to demonstrate understanding of the main idea, moral, or event in the story
• Questions that require them to predict future events before reading the end of the story