Which assessment tool is best for analyzing a student's oral reading behavior?

The running record is the most effective tool for analyzing a student's oral reading behavior because it provides a systematic approach to observe and document a student's reading fluency, accuracy, and overall comprehension as they read aloud. This assessment involves recording the text a student reads, noting any errors, self-corrections, and the strategies they employ while reading. Through this process, educators can gather valuable information about a student's reading level, strengths, areas needing improvement, and the strategies they use to decode and understand the text.

In contrast, shared reading primarily focuses on collaborative reading experiences, where the teacher models fluent reading, rather than assessing individual oral reading behaviors. A reader's conference involves a discussion with the student about their reading, providing insights into comprehension and engagement but lacking the structured analysis of oral reading mechanics. A process interview delves into a student’s understanding of their reading process and strategies but is less focused on the actual oral reading performance observed in a running record. Thus, the running record stands out as the most comprehensive assessment tool for this specific purpose.