Which assessment method helps determine a student’s reading level?

A running record is a valuable assessment tool for determining a student's reading level because it involves a detailed analysis of a student's oral reading ability. During this process, an educator listens to the student read a selected text aloud and records various data points, such as errors, self-corrections, and the overall fluency of their reading. This method allows for immediate feedback and insight into the student's decoding skills, comprehension, and reading behaviors. By analyzing the recorded data, educators can assess not only the accuracy of the student's reading but also gauge their understanding of the text and identify specific areas where further instruction may be needed.

In contrast, a verbal presentation would not provide specific insights into a student's reading level, as it focuses more on speaking and comprehension skills rather than actual reading abilities. A group discussion tends to assess students' comprehension and engagement rather than their individual reading skills. An observation checklist might inform teachers about various behaviors or skills but lacks the direct analysis of reading performance that a running record offers.