What type of assessment method is most appropriate for observing students' literacy development over time?

Using documented anecdotal notes during writing sessions is the most appropriate method for observing students' literacy development over time because it allows for a qualitative assessment that captures individual growth and specific areas of progress. This method facilitates ongoing monitoring and provides rich, contextual insights into how students approach writing tasks, develop their skills, and respond to instruction.

Anecdotal notes can detail various aspects of literacy, such as vocabulary usage, sentence structure, creativity, and engagement with the writing process. They also empower educators to identify patterns in a student's development, including strengths and areas for improvement, making it possible to tailor instruction to meet individual needs.

In contrast, standardized tests may not provide a comprehensive view of a student's literacy development, as they are typically limited in scope and often focus on specific skills rather than broader developmental progress over time. Weekly quizzes, while informative for short-term comprehension, do not capture ongoing development or the complexities of literacy skills. Periodic group presentations could provide some insight into collaborative skills and verbal literacy but would not effectively measure individual writing development or overall literacy growth.