SPED 5326.

253 Robin Bryan

Anecdotal Records
Anecdotal Record: A method of formative assessment in which an unbiased
observer records information about a students behavior after it takes place.
These records are used to analyze student progress, and inform instructional
decisions for differentiation.

Ways to Record:
Take note of your
Sticky Notes
observations on a sticky note, Anecdotal Records & Students with
and then later transfer to an
assessment binder
Disabilities
Tape index cards to a
Teachers of all students especially those with disabilitiesshould use
Index Cards clipboard so the name of the
anecdotal records as a method of formative assessment, because these
child can be seen and
observations provide data that helps the teacher organize groups, plan
accessed. File completed
instruction that meets the needs of the individual learner, and give directed,
index cards.
useful feedback to students.
Print or draw a seating chart After analyzing anecdotal recordsunbiased, real time reports of what a
Anecdotal with enlarged boxes for student did either behaviorally or academicallythe teacher can identify
Seating desks. Record. your individual needs, which can be used to plan ways to differentiate that
Chart
observations of each student students instruction rather than providing them with untargeted, generic
in the box that represents lessons.

Teachers can use anecdotal records to measure student progress in meeting

Explore digital recording using objectives outlined in an IEP. As a reminder, before observations begin, the
Digital Apps apps such as Evernote, teacher notes the objective somewhere on the recording tool. As the teacher
Notability, and PaperDesk observes the student engaging in an activity or behavior related to the IEP
These apps will also allow you objective, the observation is recorded.
to add picture and voice Anecdotal records also provide teachers with a source of data that can be
recording to your observations. presented at IEP meetings, discussed at parent-teacher conferences, and
added to student portfolios.

Bates, C. c. (2013). How Do Wii Know: Anecdotal Records Go Digital. Reading Teacher, 67(1), 25-29. doi:10.1002/TRTR.1178

Cornelius, K. k. (2013). Formative Assessment Made Easy. Teaching Exceptional Children, 45(5), 14-21.

McFarland, L. (2008). Anecdotal Records: Valuable Tools for Assessing Young Children's Development.Dimensions Of
Early Childhood, 36(1), 31-36.

Schleper, D. R. (1996). Write that one down!: Using anecdotal records to inform our teaching. Volta Review,98(1), 201.
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SPED 5326.253
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DIY with
Anecdotal Records Help ALL Students
Proper use of anecdotal records enables the teacher to cater to all the
needs and strengths found in their classroom.
11Why anecdotal records?
C.C. Bates explains that anecdotal
records work because they are a
type of sensitive observation that
allows the teacher to provide the
correct type of feedback that is
directly related to the students
performance.
When the teacher enters the
students domain as an unbiased
spectator, observations of the
childs natural behavior can be used
by the teacher to plan for
Anecdotal Records: How To
1. WHAT: What medium
are you going to use to
record your observations?
See Ways to Record
above for ideas
2. WHO: Who are you going
to observe? Do they have
any IEP goals or
developmental concerns
that should be considered
during your observation?
www.evern
ote.com
differentiation of instruction later
on.
Can students with disabilities
benefit from the use of anecdotal
records?
Absolutely! The teachers of all
students with disabilities can and
should use anecdotal records as
formative assessment. In David R.
Schlepers article, he writes about
how anecdotal records helped the
teachers of three diverse adolescents
who were deaf reflect upon the
3. WHERE: Where are you
going to observe your
student? Make sure that over
time, the student in observed
in varying situations and
environments.
4. HOW: How are you going
to ensure that your
observations are unbiased?
Check in during your
Robin Bryan
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hingw ithhaley.c
www.teac
progress of their students, and how
to improve their own teaching
methods.
In addition, researcher Laura
McFarland explains, Children
who lack appropriate progression in
particular areas over time can be
identified by referring to anecdotal
records regularly. That is,
anecdotal records can be invaluable
in early childhood, as they can
identify possible developmental
delays of the young child.
observations to make sure youre
not seeing what you want to see
from the student.
5. WHEN: When will you use
your anecdotal records? How will
these be used to help your student?
Set aside some time to analyze the
records of your students, and
consider how their instruction can
be differentiated to fit their needs.