Make yourself a running record notation "cheat sheet." Take an index card and make a list of each mark used during the running record. These are listed in the Teacher Guide inside the DRA-2 kit. Include marks for words that are read correctly, omitted, repeated or substituted. Keep this card beside you as you assess so that your notes will be consistent.
Gather the needed materials. Make sure you have the correct leveled readers and copies of the student record forms. Assign quiet, independent work to the rest of your class or choose a time when there is another adult available to supervise your students while you assess.
Complete the reading engagement portion of the assessment, in which students are asked about their reading habits, as well as their strengths and weaknesses as readers.
Choose a leveled reader based on the student's grade level and previous assessments. Read the story yourself so that you are familiar with its contents. Remember that the student must read with 95% accuracy to continue with the assessment at that level.
Read to the student the directions on the record form, which tell her how much of the story to read before stopping. Time the student as she reads and record any errors on the running record form for that story. Even if a student repeats the same error, record it each time.
Complete the comprehension questions with the student. Depending on the grade level, the teacher will either read the questions out loud and record the answers, or direct the student to complete the questions in writing after finishing the reading.
Count the student's total number of errors and subtract it from the total number of words. Then divide the number of words read correctly by the total number of words, to get the student's accuracy score. Follow the scoring guideline on the record form for determining the student's performance level, based on her accuracy and total reading. Use this information to determine the student's current reading level and decide what skills should be taught next.