Many students at risk for reading problems are likely to make progress if classroom instruction emphasizes which of the following?

Emphasizing both foundational reading skills and oral language development is crucial for students at risk for reading problems because it addresses the comprehensive nature of literacy development. Foundational reading skills include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and fluency, which are essential for decoding and understanding text. Without these skills, students struggle to read effectively.

Oral language development complements these foundational skills by enhancing vocabulary, comprehension, and the ability to communicate ideas effectively. It is particularly important for students who may not have had extensive exposure to rich language experiences prior to formal reading instruction. As students develop their oral language skills, they become better equipped to understand and engage with texts, which in turn supports their overall reading progress.

In contrast, focusing solely on oral language development or phonological awareness can limit a student's growth in reading. While these areas are important, they do not provide the comprehensive instructional approach necessary to help students develop the complete set of skills required for proficient reading. Visual processing skills, while beneficial, are not as directly linked to the foundational components of reading development compared to the combined emphasis on reading skills and oral language development.