What type of assessment is best for monitoring literacy progress?

The choice of informal assessments combined with observations is acknowledged as the most effective method for monitoring literacy progress because it provides a comprehensive view of a student's abilities and development over time. This approach enables educators to gather rich, qualitative data about a student's reading and writing skills within real-world contexts. By observing a student's interactions with texts, their problem-solving strategies, and their communication skills during discussions, educators can gain insights that standard tests may not capture.

Informal assessments, such as running records, student self-assessments, and anecdotal notes, allow teachers to identify strengths and weaknesses in a student's literacy skills. They can provide immediate feedback and insights into the learning process, helping to tailor instruction to meet each student's needs. Observations complement these assessments by allowing teachers to witness student engagement, motivation, and social interactions around literacy tasks. Together, this combination paints a fuller picture of a student's literacy journey, enabling more targeted support and interventions as needed.