1. read and record the specific amount of time they are reading each day select different genres to read develops metacognitive skills: understands the conditions for optimal independent reading and knows that reading is for meaning and has strategies ready when comprehension breaks down

2. The DRA2 is a tool the teacher uses to assess your child as a reader shows the ability to decode and understand what he/she is reading and has strategies to use when something does not make sense. reads fluently: reads accurately with expression with an appropriate reading rate makes predictions accesses prior knowledge is able to question the text

3. uses text features and graphic organizers to get additional information summarizes what was read understands and records literal information makes inferences finds text evidence to support his/her ideas applies appropriate comprehension strategies to construct and monitor meaning

4. Comparing DRA to DRA2 Grade 3 Books range from Level A to 44 (Level 40 is a 4 th grade text, Level 44 is 5 th ) Teachers note oral reading fluency Teachers stop assessment if accuracy is below 94% All questions answered orally. Top Comprehension score is 24 Scores entered on Continuum Teachers find Independent DRA text level Books range from Level A to 40 Level 40 is from DRA2 4-8 set, no 5 th grade texts Teachers time oral reading rate starting at Level 14 Teachers stop assessment if oral reading is below Independent Level Students reading at Level 28 and above write answers to questions. Vocabulary concepts included bringing top score to 28 Teachers enter scores on Continuum Teachers find Independent DRA2 text level and use guidelines for Instructional text levels

5. New Features of DRA2 Grades 4 & 5 * DRA 4-8 and Bridge Pack are combined to include Level 20 (second Grade) through Level 80 (eighth grade) * Non-Fiction texts now include Contents Page and Glossary * Levels 60, 70 and 80 include a note-taking page to help students organize their thinking before writing. * Questions utilizing text features and graphic organizers have been added to the student booklets. * The overall scoring has been simplified.

6. Dates for NYS Exams NYSESLAT (K-5 ) Speaking: April 18 - May 18, 2012 Reading, Writing and Listening: May 7- May 18, 2012 English Language Arts (ELA) 3-5 April 17-April 19, 2012 Mathematics (3-5) April 25- April 27, 2012 Science Performance May 23- June 1, 2012 Written/Science June 4, 2012

7. 2012 ELA Testing Times Grades 3/4/5BookEstimated time for completion Day Administered 1701 2602 3453 Total Estimated Time 175

8. “Have a Go” This is a non-fiction article from a fourth grade ELA test The Dragon Hunter, by Keith Wilson Questions pertain to: vocabulary main idea details drawing conclusions