Running Record

Erika Garcia

Running Record Assessment & Report

EDLI 635

Dr. Hsu

            The first time I implemented or even heard of a running record was for the assignment for this class. At first it was hard and confusing after some practice it became a little easier. I even thought they didn’t use it in schools but they do from my experience. The videos, practice and tutorial from my observing teacher were indeed helpful.  Although when I did it while observing it was a challenge but with some and assistance from the teacher the second time completing it was easier. She had a hold box of different levels with books and running record forms to fill out. She stated that the higher the letter the harder it is, she was able to guide me in the right direction of where to choose a book from for the student.

The running record form that is used at the school is a slightly more detailed than what I practice on, which is why I had to redo it over to familiarize myself with it a little better. In the school they test students twice every quarter on their reading level and comprehension. She actually offered for me to do a few for practice like the testing time was approaching. This was a great experience and gave me a better understanding of why a running record is used in the first place. It is to determine a students reading level and comprehension of what they have read. In the school they take the results and work on different implementations for a group or a class to help students do better and improve.

My thought before and during administering the running record was a bit nerve racking because I did not know what to expect. It was my first time working with older students so there approach is different. Thankfully I had a student that had no problem doing this with me a few times. He was even excited into picking out the books he wanted to read. I know at first I was a bit nervous and confused with hearing him read then tallying up the words and trying to correct him if needed. I did not know how to bring it all together. After the first time it became easier because the student was very calm and I think notice that I wasn’t familiar with this very much.

While looking at the different level the teacher told me which one to choose based on the student. I picked a book about animal in their environment, the student seem interested for the most part. He definitely didn’t have much fluency and read fast and mumbled over words he didn’t exactly know. I had to ask several times to please speak up . After getting a word wrong several times I corrected him and he still pronounced it wrong, at this point I didn’t repeat again to not make him feel uncomfortable. HE self-correct a few times and had a slight problem with visual error, I think because he was reading to fast and was not pacing himself while reading. The student wasn’t able to answer much of the questions in detail as well, he stuttered a lot making himself unsure of what he is answering or saying. As well the student had to refer back and skim over the text to answer some questions. He also had a slightly hard time answering what setting took place and `what were some problems with the animals. I believe if it was a non-fiction big he was into, it would have been easier for him. This short book had a lot of details that he was not able to comprehend. Based on his running record he scored a 97% that is average meaning this book was for his reading level. After scoring the retelling score form, he had a score of 13 and shows that he is skilled for this book. Overall I believe he read the book very well but had trouble comprehending and answering questions, so I’m not sure a harder book would be best. I do believe a different book being assed can be better and not based on animals, maybe non-fiction or fiction for this particular student. For my mini lesson I will have this student concentrate on reading comprehension and fluency.

My overall experience and what I learned is that if students read don’t assume they can comprehend what they just read. This is a challenge for many students that in the classroom this should be a main focus. This practice can help with other subjects such as Math and Social studies.