When giving additional support, what should reading specialists focus on for below-grade-level readers?

Focusing on basic reading fluency skills for below-grade-level readers is essential because these skills form the foundation for all subsequent reading development. Fluency encompasses the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression, which directly impacts comprehension. When younger or struggling readers are given explicit instruction in fluency, they can practice recognizing words quickly and confidently, leading to improved understanding of texts.

In contrast, advanced literary analysis may overwhelm below-grade-level readers who have not yet mastered basic comprehension and fluency skills, while opportunities for social interaction, although beneficial, do not specifically target the fundamental reading challenges these students face. Time-based assessments may not effectively capture a struggling reader's growth or provide the necessary framework for helping them improve their foundational reading skills. Thus, prioritizing basic reading fluency skills is critical for supporting their reading development.