Which method can teachers use to assess students' reading levels?

Using qualitative assessments like running records is an effective method for teachers to assess students' reading levels. Running records allow educators to observe how a student reads a text, including their fluency, comprehension, and use of reading strategies. This approach provides valuable insights into a student's strengths and areas for improvement, and it can be adjusted for different reading levels or text complexities.

Qualitative assessments also give teachers the opportunity to engage in formative assessments, allowing them to tailor their instruction based on individual needs rather than relying solely on standardized tests, which may not capture the full spectrum of a student's reading abilities. Through running records, teachers can identify specific skills such as decoding, accuracy, and understanding of text, supporting differentiated instruction to meet varied student needs.