Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is an important strategy to promote successful independent reading experiences at school?

1. Assigning reading materials based on grade level

2. Selecting highly challenging texts for all students

3. Teaching students to select appropriate texts

4. Encouraging silent reading periods

The correct answer is: Assigning reading materials based on grade level

Assigning reading materials based on grade level is an important strategy to promote successful independent reading experiences at school because it ensures that the texts are suitable for the students' current skill level and comprehension abilities. By providing materials that align with the students' grade level, educators can offer appropriate challenges while also enabling students to engage with the material independently and develop their reading skills. This approach encourages students to practice reading without becoming frustrated, thereby fostering a positive reading experience and potentially sparking a love for reading. Options B and D are not as effective as option A. Selecting highly challenging texts for all students may lead to frustration and hinder the development of comprehension skills. Encouraging silent reading periods, while beneficial, may not necessarily address the issue of providing suitable reading materials for individual students. Option C, teaching students to select appropriate texts, is a valuable skill to cultivate in students; however, for promoting successful independent reading experiences at school, ensuring that students have access to grade-level materials is a more direct and impactful strategy.