What is the role of assessment in planning reading instruction?

The role of assessment in planning reading instruction is fundamentally about identifying students' strengths and areas for growth, which allows educators to tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students. Through various assessment methods, teachers can obtain valuable insights into individual reading levels, comprehension skills, fluency, and other essential components of literacy.

By recognizing what students excel in and where they may struggle, educators can effectively adjust their instructional strategies, implement targeted interventions, and provide differentiated resources that cater to each student's unique learning profile. This personalized approach not only enhances students' reading abilities but also fosters a more engaging and supportive learning environment.

Other options, while they do hold relevance in educational contexts, do not capture the primary function of assessment in guiding instruction. Establishing a standard curriculum may apply to all students but does not address individual learning needs. While motivating students through rewards can have positive effects, it is not a foundational role of assessment in instructional planning. Assigning grades reflects a measure of academic performance but does not inform the instructional strategies that should be employed to support ongoing learning and development.