What is the primary area of difficulty for students who fall behind in their reading development?

The primary area of difficulty for students who fall behind in their reading development is underdeveloped foundational reading skills. Foundational reading skills include essential components such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension. These skills are critical as they lay the groundwork for effective reading. Without a solid grasp of these foundational elements, students struggle to decode words and understand text, leading to broader challenges in reading development.

On the other hand, while comprehension is indeed a crucial aspect of reading, it often stems from the lack of solid foundational skills. If students cannot decode or recognize words effectively, their ability to comprehend texts will also be impaired. Hand dominance is generally unrelated to reading development; it does not play a significant role in a student's ability to read. Thus, the primary challenge lies in the foundational skills rather than in comprehension or motor skills related to hand dominance.