In my school we use the Fountas and Pinnell Benchmark Assessment. I like using this assessment because I get so much information about each child as a reader. We complete a running record along with some phonics assessments. The only thing that I struggle with is that we are usually expected to begin some assessments by the second week of school and my students (first grade) do not have the stamina to allow me to begin pulling students for testing. In the past I have done much of this assessment outside of my literacy block and have my students work on some open ended activities like exploring math manipulatives or completing an art/craft project. I would love to hear what other teachers have their students do during beginning of the year assessments?

I have always used the DRA, but after attending the Daily 5/Cafe conference in Chicago last month, I switched over to the Burns and Roe IRI for students above a 2.5 reading level for better time management. I’m now trying to figure out how the results for the IRI convert to the Fountas and Pinnell guided reading levels that I utilize. Does anyone know? Thanks!

@codyc I’m sorry I can’t answer your question about the assessment. But I did want to ask you how you liked it in comparison with DRA? I teach 5th grade and I always felt DRA was too much writing for some of my students and it seemed to test their writing and not their reading. I heard from the sisters last year about the IRI too, but have yet to buy it. Any information is appreciated.
Thanks,
Tammy