What grade level is my child reading at?

This was definitely one of the questions I was most frequently asked as a reading specialist: what grade level is my child reading at?

It's a completely fair question for as parents, our frame of reference, is to sort levels by grade levels. But, on the flip side, as a teacher, I would never want to answer simply with a grade level. Here is why: there can be vast variance of reading levels within a grade level, especially in first and second grade. And, the grade level isn't what is important- the student's strengths and weaknesses as a reader, is what is more important because that is what determine how I would teach the students so they can improve in their reading level!

Let's look at two books which are technically at a first grade reading level- the first book is a beginning of first grade- DRA level 6 (more on DRA levels below) and the second book is DRA level 18 (end of 1st grade). 

As you can tell, first grade is where students become readers! If my child is reading on a DRA 6 at the end of first grade, I would have reason for concern. If my child is reading at a DRA 6 at the beginning of first grade, I would know he or she is on the right track. If my child is reading at a DRA 6 in Dec of first grade, I may be a bit concerned, but it could be developmentally appropriate and with appropriate supports, my child will continue to grow as a reader and be where they need to be in time. 

However, I should absolutely ask as a parent about which assessments are being used to determine my student's strengths and weaknesses as a reader. 

Overview of Reading Assessments:

There are a few different types of assessments that districts use to assess readers to determine their reading level. And all districts should be using something to assess reading levels. Side Note: This is primarily for students who are readers. Students that are not yet readers or students who are beginning readers are given other assessments that deal with those pre-reading skills (which is an entirely different blog post to tackle!)

Benchmark Assessments: Two popular benchmark assessments are DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) and F&P (Fountas and Pinnell). Basically, these assessments level a series of books, each increasing in difficulty with phonics patterns, sentence complexity and plot elements. Then, the levels are grouped into approx grade level equivalents. Students are assessed on a level by their ability to read the book accurately (read words correctly), fluently (read words automatically with good pace and phrasing) and demonstrate that they understand what they are reading by answering a series of comprehension questions. A student is scored in each of these components and each could cause them to be "frustrated" at that level (too hard). Usually there are 3-4 scores- Independent (can read on their own easily), Instructional (can read with just right supports) or Frustration (too hard). DRA also includes an Advanced Score. 

Standardized Assessments: MAPP assessments and Reading Inventory are two that come to mind as more standardized. Students are given a computerized test which then gives them a score that equates again to a grade level. We used Reading Inventory in my district and basically it gives students a series of snippets, each snippet requiring them to read a sentence below it and choose the word that best fits into the blank of the sentence. It is a measure for comprehension verses for oral reading. 

Teacher Tip: Reading Inventory is not my favorite assessment. Yes, it is objective, but I think there is huge value in having a student follow a story from beginning to end when discussing reading levels. If your district uses an assessment like RI and you have other benchmark assessments available to you, ask your reading specialist if you can use the DRA or F&P in conjunction with RI, at least for kids that struggle. 9 times out of 10, they will think that is a great idea! 

What questions should I ask about my Student's reading Level?

Here are a few questions that as a parent you should ask your students teacher about their reading level. If you are a mom that homeschools, then these are some questions you should think about in regards to your student's reading level. And if you are a teacher, these are some questions you should be prepared to answer. :)

1) What assessments do you give to assess my student's reading level? 

• Yes, things are crazy because of COVID, but this is still a very fair question to ask of your student's teacher and of the district your child is in (because honestly, this one isn't on the teacher- the district needs to lead this). When I talked to Adeline's teacher on the phone, I asked this very question. Districts should be thinking of ways to determine student's levels even in this COVID environment that we are living in. If assessments are not being given, then strengths and weaknesses are not being determined and then appropriate instruction is not being planned. Don't be afraid to ask the question. There are assessments now that are online.  I know that if I was still at our school, this would be something I would have had to brainstorm with my teachers. How are we still going to give students beginning of year assessments so we can provide effective small group instruction? There needs to be an answer to this. Edmund's teacher offered that they will have to give a spelling assessment to sort students into word study groups...yay, perfect! :)

2) At what level is my student reading at? How does this compare to where they should be reading this time of the year?

• Basically, this comes down to- is my student on track or not? And if not, then a follow up question is- why and what are we going to do about it? This is critical- there needs to be a plan! Some kids learn to read naturally, but from experience, the vast majority do not learn to read my osmosis. It takes specifically, tailored, targeted instruction. 

3) What does the assessment show about my student's strengths and weaknesses as a reader? Where do they need to grow to keep improving?

• When you look at reading assessments, you have to dig into the data. Part of my job as a reading specialist was to guide teachers on how to do this. (This was honestly one of the parts of the job that I loved- solving the puzzle! :)) For instance, I would have a student that frustrated at a DRA 18 (level was too hard for them), but those students could have very different reading needs. Why did they frustrate at the level? Did they make too many oral reading mistakes and what kind of mistakes were they? Was their time too slow? (which also says alot about their decoding skills) Was it because of their comprehension? What about their comprehension needs work- was it their literal comprehension (what exactly happened in the story) or their inferential comprehension (ability to go beyond the story to figure out about characters and plot). Once you understand areas of strength and weaknesses, then that should be used to guide instruction. Again, as a parent, you don't necessarily have to understand fully the ins and outs of this, but you want to make sure that you understand your child's reading needs so you can support the teacher. 

4) What specifically can I do to support my child to grow as a reader?

• We, as teachers, do not expect you as the parent to teach your students. That is our jobs! But there are usually specific things you can reinforce that will help in the process. For instance, your child's teacher might recommend working on sight words, practicing words with certain phonics patterns, or partner reading with your student. 

Honestly, some times these questions are hard to ask as a parent because the teachers are the experts and we want to "stay in our lanes." But don't be afraid to ask these questions because they are really important. I have learned as a parent that I have to advocate for my child. Teachers have a hard job- usually they have too many kids in a class, not enough time for all their reading groups and other challenges that can interfere with instruction. But in asking the questions, it shows that I am invested in their education and willing to do whatever the teacher needs to help support my student. 

Questions? I tried to give a broad overview, but if you have specific questions, either type them into the comments or on the sidebar. I'm happy to help in whatever way I can. Also, if there are any burning topics about reading that you are interested in, let me know and I will try to post about them. 

School in Charlotte starts Monday. I'll give you all an update on how virtual schooling goes. I'm nervous, but excited for my kids to get started with a new school year! :) And on another side/personal note, we are finally all moved- it was such a long, tedious process. 

Hope everyone is staying well!