- The Drumcondra Primary Reading Test-Revised (DPRT-R) is a group-administered test of achievement in reading. There are Reading Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension subtests at all six levels, while Levels 1 and 2 also include an optional Word Analysis subtest. At each level, it is possible to generate a Total Reading score, based on a pupil’s combined scores on the Reading Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension subtests, as well as subtest scores. Each level of the test has two forms which are equivalent in format and difficulty: Form A and Form B. All questions follow a multiple-choice format.
- Two sets of norms are available for the DPRT-R: Spring norms, which should be used if the test is administered towards the end of the school year (April to June), and Autumn norms, which should be used if it is administered at the beginning of the school year (October or November). The table below indicates the level of the DPRT-R that should be administered at each class level. Norms are not available for the beginning of First class.
RANGE OF THE DPRT - R
| Class Level | DPRT-R Level | Form(s) | Colour Code |
| End of First / Beginning of Second | 1 | A & B | Orange |
| End of Second / Beginning of Third | 2 | A & B | Purple |
| End of Third / Beginning of Fourth | 3 | A & B | Blue |
| End of Fourth/ Beginning of Fifth | 4 | A & B | Green |
| End of Fifth / Beginning of Sixth | 5 | A & B | Red |
| End of Sixth | 6 | A & B | Brown |
- The Reading Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension subtests at Levels 1 and 2 take about 2 hours to administer; the same subtests at Levels 3-6 take about 1 hour 35 minutes. These estimates include time for completing identification information and sample items.
- Levels 1 and 2 of the DPRT-R must each be administered separately, and cannot be administered in conjunction with any other level of the test. Levels 3-6 can be administered at the same time as they are identical in terms of directions, format and time limits. This enables teachers of multi-grade classes to administer Levels 3-6 to several class levels at the same time.
- Pupils taking Levels 1 or 2 of the DPRT-R should record their answers on their test booklets. Pupils taking Levels 3-6 may record their answers in two ways – using a hand-scorable answer sheet or a machine-scorable answer sheet. Test booklets at Levels 1 and 2, and the hand-scorable answer sheets for Levels 3-6, can be scored using Answer Keys in the test manuals, or scoring stencils, which are available from the Test Department at the Educational Research Centre. Machine-scorable answer sheets for Levels 3-6 can be returned to the Educational Research Centre for scoring.
- Performance on the DPRT-R is reported with reference to raw scores (the number of correct answers marked), standard scores, sten scores, and percentile ranks. In addition to norms for each level/form of the test, there is a test-wide scale, which can be used to monitor the development of a pupil over several years.
A CD-Rom designed to facilitate scoring and reporting is in preparation.
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