Anecdotal

Records
This strategy is a tool
teachers can utilize
to keep track of
students progression
throughout the year.

In its simplest
explanation they are
observational notes
kept on every
student.

What is it?
Anecdotal records are notes that a teacher keeps on each student. These notes are
based on actions and observation, and not on opinion or assumption. They can be
focused and attuned to the TEK standards, or individualized for each students needs.
They can be used to catalog the progression of students with learning disabilities, or
on the social/ emotional state of students with emotional disorders.

1. They can be used to relay a situation to parents in a non-emotional fact based

way.
2. They can be used to tailor instructions to the interests and/or needs of each
student.
3. Students who are on a special track, and need extra observation to maintain
progression, benefit from having a teacher who keeps notes concerning what works
or doesnt in their own particular situation.

The teacher, student,

and parents are the
beneficiaries of this
strategy.

Anecdotal Records:
State the who, what, when,
where, and how of a students
progression or behavior.

How do I do this?
1. For each student have folder that has their name on it.
2. Have a filing box that can only be accessed by you, to hold these confidential notes in.
3. At all times carry a clipboard with you that has a sheet of blank peel and stick labels on it.
4. Decide each day what notes you need to observe throughout the class.
They can be observations based on what the TEKs are that you are covering that week.
They can be individualized for each student.
They can be based on behavior or emotional state of the students.
They can be the reactions to a new concept or the progression of understanding of a continuing
topic.
5. Make notes on the labels that can easily added to the students folders at a later time.
6. Review notes when planning lessons to individualize for each class, when preparing for conferences with parents,
and when deciding the next step in helping a student to progress in the next step of an area that are struggling with.

*Instead of sticky labels teachers can

use slips to keep track of their students.
*There are also Apps that work for really
well for going digital with your notes. Teachers can include pictures of student work and digital
recordings of them reading to listen to progression.

Who will this work for?

Every student will benefit from having personalized notes on
their progress and individual needs.
However, anecdotal records can be especially helpful when
working with students who have special needs. This tool is
very helpful, especially students who are having difficulties in
literacy. The best part of this tool is the versatility it provides
to teachers in regards to ensuring their students are
progressing in a way that aligns with the TEKs and the
developmental milestones of their age.

References:
Bates, C. C. (2013). How Do "Wii" Know: Anecdotal Records Go Digital.
Reading Teacher, 67(1), 25-29.
Boyd-Batstone, P. (2004). Focused Anecdotal Records Assessment: A Tool for Standards-Based,
Authentic Assessment. Reading Teacher, 58(3), 230-239.
McFarland, L. (2008). Anecdotal Records: Valuable Tools for Assessing Young Children's
Development. Dimensions Of Early Childhood, 36(1), 31-36,.