Does writing give an accurate portrayal of comprehension?
For the grades levels being assessed, yes. The decision to have the DRA 4-8 responses provided in writing was done for several reasons but primarily because in studying the way students are assessed at grades 3 and 4 on provincial tests, this was consistent. Writing gives students time to reflect on what they read and to be more thoughtful. In the field test the conceptual level of the oral responses did not change from the written. There was no greater depth in the oral or dictated responses. When teachers ask students to respond orally, it is essential that they ask no other questions or give other prompts. The assessment is designed to determine the student’s independent level. The DRA 4-8 Teacher Guide contains real student writing models that help teachers determine students’ level of proficiency in their written responses to comprehension questions. The information that the teacher gathers from the students’ written responses is critical for evaluating and scoring. The writing po
