What would not help in accurately assessing a third-grade student's understanding of a story?

Utilizing covert participation techniques would not effectively contribute to accurately assessing a third-grade student's understanding of a story because this approach often lacks transparency and direct engagement. Covert techniques may involve observing students without their knowledge or involving them in activities where their comprehension isn't openly assessed. This form of assessment can overlook students' verbal expression and thought processes since it doesn't allow them the opportunity to articulate their understanding or clarify their thoughts about the story being discussed.

In contrast, employing formal tests, encouraging open-ended discussions, and observing students' reactions provide clear and direct methods to gauge comprehension. Formal tests can provide structured insights into what students have learned; open-ended discussions encourage them to express their thoughts and interpretations in their own words; and observing reactions during reading can offer immediate clues about their engagement and understanding. These methods are more conducive to understanding the depth of a student’s comprehension and engagement with the material.