What is a running record?

A running record is an informal assessment method used to evaluate a student's reading level and fluency. It involves observing a student while they read a selected text aloud, allowing educators to document errors, self-corrections, and the overall reading behavior. This detailed analysis provides valuable insights into the student's reading skills, including fluency, accuracy, and comprehension, which can inform instruction and guide future learning goals.

By focusing on the actual reading performance, running records help teachers understand how students decode words, utilize context clues, and engage with the text, making it a vital tool for assessing individual reading progress and tailoring instructional strategies to meet their needs.