Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is the goal of balanced literacy programs?

1. Teach students a variety of reading skills and strategies for decoding and comprehension

2. Focus only on grammar rules

3. Emphasize writing at the expense of reading

4. Prioritize fiction over non-fiction texts

The correct answer is: Teach students a variety of reading skills and strategies for decoding and comprehension

The goal of balanced literacy programs is to equip students with a comprehensive set of reading skills and strategies that are essential for both decoding words and understanding text. This approach recognizes the importance of teaching students how to read fluently while also developing their comprehension abilities. By providing a well-rounded framework that includes various methods, such as guided reading, independent reading, and shared reading experiences, balanced literacy aims to create proficient readers who can tackle different types of texts effectively. The other options do not align with the holistic approach of balanced literacy. Focusing only on grammar rules is too narrow and neglects important aspects of reading and comprehension. An emphasis on writing at the expense of reading overlooks the crucial relationship between these two skills, as both are integral to literacy development. Prioritizing fiction over non-fiction texts fails to recognize the value of different genres and the necessity for students to engage with a wide range of materials to become versatile readers.