Which term refers to gathering data to understand student strengths and needs?

• A. Anecdotal Record
• B. Central Tendency
• C. Assessment
• D. Echo Reading

Answer: (C)

Gathering data to understand student strengths and needs is assessment. It involves collecting evidence of what a student can do and where they need support through a variety of methods—formal tests, informal observations, work samples, and performance tasks. This data helps teachers identify strengths to build on and gaps to address, guiding instruction and progress monitoring over time. For example, using reading probes and writing samples can show where a student demonstrates competency and where targeted support is needed. Anecdotal records are one way to collect data but describe a specific moment rather than the full picture of a student’s abilities. Central tendency relates to a statistical measure like the average and isn’t about gathering data on a student, and echo reading is a reading support strategy, not a data-collection method.