What is a common tool used for tracking student progress in reading?

Running records are a common tool used to track student progress in reading as they provide immediate, actionable insights into a student's reading abilities. This assessment method involves a teacher observing and recording a student's reading behavior as they read aloud from a text. It allows educators to assess various aspects of reading, including fluency, accuracy, and comprehension. By analyzing these records, teachers can identify specific strengths and areas for improvement in a student's reading development, allowing for tailored instruction that meets individual learning needs.

While standardized testing, portfolios, and grade books are also utilized in educational settings, they serve different purposes. Standardized tests often measure a broader range of academic skills rather than focusing specifically on reading individual progress. Portfolios can showcase a student's overall work over time but may not provide the immediate and specific feedback regarding reading fluency and comprehension that running records do. Grade books track academic performance but do not provide the nuanced insights into a student's reading development that running records offer. Thus, running records stand out as a specialized tool well-suited for monitoring reading progress.