The Diagnostic Assessment for Reading (DAR) is a standardized test used by teachers and schools to assess a child's reading level and plan for reading instruction. Often, schools administer these tests on a yearly basis to every student in a class, grade level or school. Tests like the DAR may also be used at other times to individually test a child or adult who struggles with reading.
Children that Struggle with Reading
If your child has difficulty reading, or if his teacher has expressed concerns with his reading abilities, it may be time to test his reading level. Several options exist for this, and you can work with your child's teacher to find one that will work best for your family. No matter what the result, a reading assessment can provide you and your child's teacher with important information about his reading level and provide suggestions for improving that level.
Purpose
The DAR is an individually administered diagnostic test of reading skills. This means that it determines a student's capacity for reading on an individual basis. Specifically, school districts and educators use the DAR to measure a student's strengths and weaknesses in separate key areas of reading skills. It may be given to all students in a particular class or grade, or it may be administered individually to students who appear to have difficulties with their reading skills.
Test Components
According to Riverside Publishing, the creators of the DAR, the test contains nine components: print awareness, phonological awareness, letters and sounds, word recognition, word analysis, oral reading accuracy and fluency, silent reading comprehension, spelling and word meaning.
Test Results
If a student takes the test and shows a weakness in one or more areas, then teachers can work with that student to improve those specific areas. The test allows teachers to administer and score the test simultaneously, so they can begin to use the results immediately upon its completion.
Uses of the Test
Teachers may use the results of this test to plan reading instruction for an individual student or an entire class. They can also use it to create reading groups and to plan lessons that target key areas of reading instruction for students with weaknesses in similar areas. Additionally, schools may use the test results to determine placement into a reading program such as Title I or Reading First. Though it is most often administered to children, adult literacy programs may make use of the DAR as well to assess and diagnose reading difficulties in adult learners.
