What should be the focus while assessing reading progress in students?

Monitoring comprehension and reading engagement is crucial when assessing reading progress in students because these factors provide a comprehensive understanding of a student's reading abilities. Comprehension reflects a student's ability to understand and interpret text, which is the ultimate goal of reading. Engaged readers are more likely to be motivated, retain information, and develop a love for reading, which fosters lifelong learning.

Additionally, focusing solely on testing speed and accuracy does not capture a student's overall reading skills, as it neglects how well they understand and connect with the material they read. Encouraging competition among students may create an atmosphere of stress or discourage those who struggle, thus hampering their progress. Preparing exclusively for standardized tests can lead to a narrow view of reading, limiting the assessment to only what is necessary for testing rather than fostering a holistic development of a student's reading skills and interests. Therefore, a balanced approach that includes monitoring comprehension and engagement is essential for meaningful assessment and instruction.