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Diagnostic Reading Analysis

A one-to-one oral standardised test that enables you to better support less-able readers.
DRA logo in a light blue circle with a teal rim

Diagnostic Reading Analysis (DRA) is a one-to-one oral test that accurately assesses your less-able readers and drills down into multiple reading factors such as reading accuracy and comprehension processing speed. You can then use the gathered data to provide learners with the literacy support they need. 

Ages
7–16
Format
Print
Suitable for SEN learners
Yes

Praise from Communicate-Ed

"Attractively presented test, quick and easy to administer, and offering scores for reading speed and comprehension processing speed, which so few tests cover. 

"The third edition provides single standardised scores (previously, scores were provided in ranges), making it more useful for access arrangements evidence in Part 2 of Form 8.  The third edition also includes a single-word reading accuracy test in two parallel forms."

Communicate-Ed Review

DRA was developed in conjunction with Helen Arkell.

Why choose DRA

  • Get a full picture of reading ability

  • Identify learners who may need additional support

  • See progress over time

DRA provides an in-depth diagnostic assessment that will provide you with a full picture of a learner's reading ability.

  • Assess eight factors in one test including: Reading accuracy, Reading speed, Reading comprehension, Comprehension processing speed, Single word reading accuracy, Reading age, Comprehension age and Single-word reading age.
  • Listening comprehension will help you identify where to start the test.

Core features

  • Delivered orally

    Learners read the texts aloud and answer the comprehension questions orally, making the test ideal for lower-ability readers and those who struggle with writing.
  • In-depth results

    Get insight into eight factors including reading speed and comprehension speed.
  • Parallel forms

    Retest learners with the parallel forms to track progress over time.

Download the brochure

Download the brochure to understand the step-by-step process you follow when administering DRA.

Download
diagnostic reading analysis brochure cover
  • DRA is a very complete package. I would ALWAYS recommend DRA as it is personal, establishes great rapport with the students and leads to good dialogue about preferences for Fiction/ Non-fiction (or lack of understanding of the difference). Error analysis provides a great deal of information in minimal time. It is actually always enjoyable to mark and provides almost instant feedback.
    J Bleasdale
    Head of Learning Support (Retired in 2020), The Mount School
  • I chose to use DRA because the range of short texts helps to keep the children engaged - they feel as if they are achieving rather than failing – and because having a recognised assessment like DRA is so useful if children need to be referred for specialist support.
    SENCo
    Hipswell C of E Primary School

Check out Salford Sentence Reading and Comprehension Test (SSRCT)

Identify the learners who could qualify for additional support with SSRCT, an oral reading and comprehension test that can be delivered to a whole class in under 10 minutes.

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