What assessment tool is used to examine oral reading behaviors?

The use of running records as an assessment tool for examining oral reading behaviors is highly effective due to its focus on capturing real-time reading performance. Running records involve a teacher listening to a student read aloud and taking detailed notes on their reading behaviors, including accuracy, fluency, and the strategies employed during decoding. This method allows the educator to identify patterns in the student's reading, such as errors, self-corrections, and hesitations, which provide insight into their reading proficiency and comprehension skills.

By analyzing the data collected from running records, educators can tailor instruction to address specific needs, track progress over time, and determine the most effective interventions or support for the individual reader. This specific methodology is highly valued in literacy assessment because it directly reflects the student's ability to engage with text in a real reading situation.