What is an anecdotal record?

An anecdotal record is a written summary of a specific event or incident that captures a child's development or behavior in detail. This type of record emphasizes particular moments that can provide insights into a student's growth, skills, or challenges. Teachers often use anecdotal records to document observations that can inform their understanding of individual student needs and progress over time.

In contrast, the other options describe different educational tools or documents. An assessment tool for standardized testing focuses on measuring students' performance against established benchmarks, while a portfolio of students' art projects serves to showcase a collection of their creative work. A teacher's diary of observations encompasses broader reflections on all students, rather than focusing on a singular developmental incident as an anecdotal record does.