FCPS special ed question

[Anonymous]

I hope someone can help me with this question. Is it possible to work into an existing IEP that report card grades not be based soley on the DRA2? My ds has shown extensive progress in the classroom but when he completely bombs the DRA everytime. He is not able to perform on cold assements for some reason. So even though the resource teacher and classroom teacher are telling us that he is reading at a certain level, if you look at the DRA scores, it does not really show his abilities at all. Thanks to anyone who can help!

[Anonymous]

We have an IEP in FCPS. What is the DRA2? Age?

I think you can work almost anything into an IEP - it is supposed to be a collaborative process, but you may have to fight for it. We had to fight for the right for DS to have a computer/keyboard in class so he could take notes. Now anyone can have a computer so long as it is registered.

See Dave Angel's books on how to write a smart IEP.

[Anonymous]

Ds is in first grade. Getting plenty of service hours but the dev reading assessment does not show a true picture of his abilities.

[Anonymous]

The DRA2 is a funny assessment tool. I think kids really bomb it if they do a poor job with the retell...however the way the retell is structured where there is almost no guidance is really difficult for kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The DRA2 is a funny assessment tool. I think kids really bomb it if they do a poor job with the retell...however the way the retell is structured where there is almost no guidance is really difficult for kids.

This happened with my kid. He is an average reader but scored below his ability because of the retell, according to his teacher.

To the OP, why do you really care about the grades, though?

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for the feedback. I guess I want what the teachers are telling me to mesh with the assesments. And frustrated with the assesment tool. If the point of an
assesment is show growth and progress but the test doesn't show that, what is the point of giving it in the first place. Does that even make sense?

[Anonymous]

I think your concerns are valid. However our DS is also in the 1st grade and we just aren't that worried about the grades right now. He bombs the test too, but is making tremendous progress in reading. He knows so much more than he demonstrates on the test. Right now we are more concerned with making sure he is learning and getting the help he needs than the grades. Yes, at some point we'll need to figure out how to help him demonstrate what he appropriately knows in tests but we just can't tackle everything at once.

[Anonymous]

Op again...Talked with our sp ed teacher and down the line, you can have alternate assesments for the DRA if it is proven over time that it is not an effective assesment. I feel better that even though the new report card format isn't doing us any favors, the detailed notes that will be put in the IEP goals sheet will tell a more accurate story of his abilities. Thanks again for the great feedback!

[Anonymous]

Don't do DRA! It is a true representation, but not one that can show progress with our kids. In reality though it is accurate, pieces of your DC comprehension are not coming out. This needs to be addressed. Use the DRA to get more services in areas where your DC fails. Ask for Brigance next time.

[Anonymous]

Ask if they will use a QRI instead. I think it is a much better test of reading.