What is the purpose of using a running record in literacy instruction?

• A. To document a student's reading behaviors and errors, informing instruction, grouping, and intervention needs.
• B. To measure a student's math ability.
• C. To assess handwriting speed.
• D. To determine vocabulary only.

Answer: (A)

Observing how a student reads aloud and the errors they make is what a running record is for. It records accuracy, self-corrections, types of miscues, as well as fluency, pace, and phrasing. Teachers use this information to understand decoding strengths and gaps, decide what to teach next, and plan grouping or targeted interventions. This approach helps track progress over time and ensures instruction matches the student's needs. It is not used to measure math ability, handwriting speed, or vocabulary in isolation.