What is a common goal of effective reading instruction?

Promoting student understanding and retention is a key goal of effective reading instruction because it ensures that learners not only decode text but also comprehend and integrate the information they read. Successful reading instruction aims to develop critical thinking skills, enabling students to connect ideas, make inferences, and apply their knowledge in various contexts. This focus on deep understanding supports students in becoming lifelong readers and learners, as they can engage with texts on a meaningful level rather than merely processing words.

In contrast, emphasizing only writing skills, increasing reading speed without comprehension, or solely focusing on literature analysis does not provide a comprehensive approach to reading. Effective reading instruction holistically addresses phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, ensuring that all aspects of reading are developed for well-rounded literacy. The ultimate goal is to make students confident and competent readers who can tackle diverse types of texts and contexts, which is encapsulated in the concept of understanding and retention.