We have a two week testing period and teachers are given six weeks to establish instructional routines before this testing is done. Normally, I think our staff would have had no difficulty with a two week window, but the new DRA has rocked boats as the fluency requirements are dropping kids level after level. I have faith that they will meet their testing deadlines, but unfortunately it has been far more stressful.
I do have a question for you all, those using DRA at any rate. We work with a Native American population and I have some concerns regarding the cultural appropriateness of relying exclusively on rate to determine whether or not to continue or discontinue the test. The closer our children are to their Native language (we have very few speakers, but the patterns of the language continue to impact children), the more thoughtful and reflective their speech patterns are. I would not at all describe them as dysfluent, but it simply not a cultural norm to value speed in speech. We are administering the test strictly this first time out but having administered about 25 myself in the last two weeks, I have have noticed that for children who fall into that instructional, or second gray range, about 50% of them would fall into acceptable ranges (solidly, I might add) when other factors in the rubric are evaluated. Has anyone else had experience working with this instrument with Native Americans or other ethnic groups? Have you noticed any similar issues with rate? Lori On 10/12/07 6:14 AM, "kandrews-babcock" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Michele, > Our school also does not provide subs, students are expected to be doing > independent work (rigorous and meaningful work of course) while the DRA's > are being administered. It's crazy but if you can have a 4 week testing > window to get everyone done, that's a bit easier. Then you can do some > lessons and testing in between. Good luck! > Kelly AB > > > On 10/11/07 11:37 PM, "[EMAIL PROTECTED]" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >> Kelly, >> We don't have enough time! Our principal won't even get subs so that we can >> test. We have to be "creative" when we get the time to test the fluency. >> Then, once I get everyone in a book, we do the independent work all at one >> time, like a testing session. I'm going to feel sorry for myself for a >> minute. >> I had to get 29 hours worth of testing done and I have 1 hour and 50 minutes >> of planning time A WEEK (not counting lunch). It's a good thing that I like >> this job. LOL. Thanks for the info. about the DRA2. >> Michele >> >> >> >> ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com >> _______________________________________________ >> Mosaic mailing list >> Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org >> To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to >> http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. >> >> Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. >> > > > _______________________________________________ > Mosaic mailing list > Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. > > Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. > -- Lori Jackson District Literacy Coach & Mentor Todd County School District Box 87 Mission SD 57555 http:www.tcsdk12.org ph. 605.856.2211 Literacies for All Summer Institute July 17-20. 2008 Tucson, Arizona _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
