Module Focus

Close, systematic observation as a way to assess rapid change in literacy learning of young children

To ensure progress in reading and writing, teachers must take time to observe what children are able to do.

Running records of text reading and other Observation Survey tasks are standard and neutral observation tasks that require skilled teachers who have been trained to administer, score, and interpret results in reliable ways. Resources cited below include information about a learning package for teachers who want to learn to administer, analyze, and use running record data to make teaching decisions.

Effective teachers also find opportunities to observe throughout the school day to get rich information about each child’s literacy development — and to use that information to plan teaching moves. And children will be the beneficiaries of differentiated instruction based on observation — as they enjoy success in learning to read and write.

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