The most valuable data a teacher can collect from their classroom is through progress monitoring! And guess what? It’s not a lot of work and it provides you with a lot of valuable information!
Progress Monitoring Isn’t Difficult!
There is no wrong way to monitor the progress of your students in your classroom. It’s what you do with the information that is the most important. As teachers, we assess our students daily-through watching, asking questions and even playing games. But how do we prove what our students’ strengths and weaknesses are?
There is one word for that. It’s documentation.
How often should these progress monitors happen? As a teacher, you are the only one that can make that decision. Are you a first year teacher? Did you move down to a lower grade level and are not sure how often? My suggestion is to start with the beginning, middle and end of the year. This will get you started!
Monitoring Reading Levels
You can monitor progress in all subject areas. However, most elementary teachers focus on math, reading and phonics.
If you meet in small groups, you’re already off to a great start! This is the best and most effective way to monitor the growth of your students.
My Guided Reading Organization pack provides you with everything you need to organize your guided reading groups, as well as get you started on how to monitor the progress of your learners.
I like to use this running record printable in guided reading. It’s easy to use, and can be used at any time. I keep a year’s worth of these printables in my guided reading binder. This way I can assess at anytime. You can grab this for FREE below!
Monitoring through Phonics
Many Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers progress monitor for phonics knowledge. Phonics are the building blocks to a successful reader. Engaging letter and phonics activities are so important to build strong readers. You can hold these quick monitoring assessments any time of year. I personally use it at the beginning, middle and end of the year. So, each student will have this assessment in their binder at least three times.
Math Progress Monitoring
When you think of progress monitoring, most think strictly literacy assessments. Math is just as important! Just like my beginning literacy skills assessment, I use this math form several times a year with my early learners. (click the image to grab this free assessment as well!)
This math assessment focuses on number identification, counting, colors, shapes and so much more. Again, I suggest assessing at the beginning, middle and end of the school year and as many times in-between!
You can grab my FREE Running Records printable by clicking the download button below!
