Which assessment method is specifically used to gauge fluency in reading?

The running record is a specific assessment method designed to gauge a student's reading fluency. It involves a teacher observing and recording a student's reading behavior while they read aloud a selected text. This method allows educators to analyze various aspects of a student's reading, such as accuracy, pacing, and expression, which are critical components of fluency.

Using a running record, educators can assess how smoothly and quickly a student can read without significant disruptions, indicating their overall fluency level. It provides immediate feedback on a student's strengths and areas needing improvement, enabling tailored instruction to enhance reading skills.

In contrast, standardized testing measures reading performance against set benchmarks but does not specifically focus on fluency. Diagnostic assessments generally evaluate a range of skills and knowledge to identify specific areas of need, while post-reading quizzes assess comprehension and understanding rather than the fluency of the reading itself.