What is the ultimate goal of effective phonics instruction?

The ultimate goal of effective phonics instruction is to enable students to decode and understand words accurately. Phonics instruction provides students with the tools they need to associate sounds with letters or groups of letters, which is crucial for reading. This foundational skill allows students to read unfamiliar words, promoting their ability to comprehend texts effectively. By focusing on decoding, students can tackle new vocabulary, which supports their overall reading development and builds confidence in their reading abilities.

While fluency in reading aloud is important, it is a byproduct of strong decoding skills rather than the primary aim of phonics instruction. Promoting a love for classic literature and teaching only spelling rules do not directly address the foundational skills necessary for reading comprehension and decoding. The focus of phonics is fundamentally about enabling students to successfully navigate written language, making the correct answer a clear representation of that objective.