DRA Reading Level 16 at the end of 1st grade

[Anonymous]

My recently turned 7yo 1st grader still cannot read proficiently. He has improved but still can't read a book on his own. Just got his reading test scores back and he is DRA 16. The letter said the benchmark for 1st grade was 16.

Is this just a really low benchmark for teachers?

I feel like my 1st grader is way behind in reading. Pretty sure every single one of his friends is reading already. I don't know if he just has smart friends or he is truly behind.

[Anonymous]

I feel like the DRA levels are lowest possible threshold. I was told my 1st grader was a DRA 24 but she doesn't sound like it to me. I'm honestly confused. She's not a great reader.

[Anonymous]

I don't think I was reading until 2nd grade when I was little. The guidelines are so tough for these kids. Added stress for all. Sorry OP, I would just try not to worry too much about it.

[Anonymous]

If you think that your child is capable of doing more - practice reading and writing over the summer.

Have them read a story and write a paragraph or two paraphrasing what they read.

Or have them write down how they spent each summer day. They'll get some writing practice and you'll get a treasured keepsake.

Participate in the library reading program. They have great suggestions for kids.

I have teens and I was worried about their writing/reading levels too at that age. The above really helps.

[Anonymous]

^And for the kids not writing yet. They can draw a picture and if possible write a sentence or two about their day.

[Anonymous]

I actually think the DRA tests are a little hard. If there hasn't been an issue all year, I wouldn't worry about it. Our school doesn't even have all the kids passing level 16.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My recently turned 7yo 1st grader still cannot read proficiently. He has improved but still can't read a book on his own. Just got his reading test scores back and he is DRA 16. The letter said the benchmark for 1st grade was 16.

Is this just a really low benchmark for teachers?

I feel like my 1st grader is way behind in reading. Pretty sure every single one of his friends is reading already. I don't know if he just has smart friends or he is truly behind.

Yes, the benchmarks are low.

Are you reading every day to your child? If not then put down the ipad and do so. If yes then add 5 minutes. Your kid will pick it up soon enough.

[Anonymous]

He's on grade level. That is good.

[Anonymous]

My 1st grade DS was at 16 when they last administered the test in early May, but he is young for grade (August birthday) so we were expecting him to be on the lower end. He is up to 20 now. I would just keep reading together. I am actually having my DS tutored by his teacher over the Summer just to make sure he doesn't backslide. Also, our neighbor is a second grade teacher, and she said there is usually a leveling off then with kids that took longer to read progressing and the faster readers maybe not improving so quickly. I wouldn't worry yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 1st grade DS was at 16 when they last administered the test in early May, but he is young for grade (August birthday) so we were expecting him to be on the lower end. He is up to 20 now. I would just keep reading together. I am actually having my DS tutored by his teacher over the Summer just to make sure he doesn't backslide. Also, our neighbor is a second grade teacher, and she said there is usually a leveling off then with kids that took longer to read progressing and the faster readers maybe not improving so quickly. I wouldn't worry yet.

OP here. How do you know he is 20 now? DS seems to be improving but very slowly. Wondering if we should get him a reading tutor this summer.

[Anonymous]

Teachers are not allowed to tutor their own students for money. Not a kid they had last year, or one they will have in the coming year.

Don't worry about the DRA. Just read to him and with him and have him love books. It will come.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Teachers are not allowed to tutor their own students for money. Not a kid they had last year, or one they will have in the coming year.

Don't worry about the DRA. Just read to him and with him and have him love books. It will come.

I think this must vary by school district, because we have had past teachers tutor our kids.

[Anonymous]

My DS is the one who is currently at 20. His teacher sends home a leveled book each week and she has moved him up to a 20. Most either have a number on them or use the letter scale. You can see a comparison of the different systems here: https://www.readinga-z.com/learninga-z-levels/level-correlation-chart/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Teachers are not allowed to tutor their own students for money. Not a kid they had last year, or one they will have in the coming year.

Don't worry about the DRA. Just read to him and with him and have him love books. It will come.

Are you sure? Then my child's teacher just made me a shady proposition!

[Anonymous]

As a PP said I'm pretty sure this varies by district.