Three types of informal assessment procedures (interest analysis, interviewing, and observation) are described as approaches to identifying areas of need in individualized programing for the gifted. (CL)

Provided for regular and special class teachers is a list of questions for observing student behavior in eight areas: independent work, organization, written work, teacher-directed activities, oral language, cafeteria behavior, relationship with peers and motor ability. (CL)

The paper stresses the importance of informal assessment of spelling, describing both quantitative and qualitative implications. Stages of word knowledge are reviewed and examples of student errors are cited to illustrate needed instruction. (CL)

Stressing that reading assessment should occur while students read books and write stories, the author discusses informal assessment of readiness, fluency, phonics, and comprehension. Implications for instruction are noted. (CL)