Why is it important for reading specialists to assess a student's ability to identify, segment, and blend phonemes?

Assessing a student's ability to identify, segment, and blend phonemes is crucial because these skills form the foundation of phonemic awareness, which is essential for reading development. Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words, and it is a strong predictor of future reading success. By focusing on these abilities, reading specialists can identify students who may struggle with the decoding process, which is necessary for reading fluency and comprehension.

Establishing phonemic awareness skills enables targeted intervention strategies that can support students in building their reading skills, helping them progress in their literacy development. This assessment also informs instruction by providing insight into the specific areas where a student may need additional support, ultimately enhancing their overall reading capability.