Considering the Simple View of Reading, what should a third-grade teacher do for students who struggle with fluency?

The Simple View of Reading posits that reading comprehension is the product of two key components: word recognition and language comprehension. For students struggling with fluency, assessing for remediation in word recognition and comprehension is crucial. This approach helps identify the specific areas where a student might be having difficulties.

By understanding whether issues stem from the ability to decode words accurately and fluently, or from a lack of understanding in what they are reading, the teacher can tailor interventions effectively. For instance, if a student's fluency problems are linked to difficulties in word recognition, targeted strategies such as phonics instruction or practice with high-frequency words can be implemented. On the other hand, if comprehension is the problem, the teacher might focus on building vocabulary and improving listening skills.

Overall, initiating an assessment allows the teacher to gather valuable insights for designing appropriate interventions, ultimately helping to enhance the students' reading fluency and overall literacy skills.