Objective: Students will learn reading fluency and not just comprehension, as important for all students through middle school.

Model and Practice: a) Just as schools regularly assess vocabulary and comprehension throughout middle school (via standardized tests), oral fluency accuracy, rate and comprehension should be regularly assessed in the classroom. The Gray Oral Reading Test is a common and effective tool. b) The best way to develop reading fluency is guided oral reading with prompt feedback. c) Offer progressively more difficult texts so students continue to improve. d) Other options for oral reading include older children reading to younger children or pets. However, these options will not provide feedback which is essential for students who need to show improvement. e) Oral reading should last approximately 15 minutes or longer per session, depending on the child's age, stamina and interest.

Teacher Takeaways: a) Reading fluency is distinct from reading comprehension. Some students with fine comprehension have weaker fluency. If left unaddressed, weaker fluency could impede comprehension in middle and high school as texts increase in difficulty. b) Fluency develops gradually and continuously. A student who might be reading fluently in 2nd grade could have fluency difficulties later if he does not continue to practice and improve. c) Oral reading should continue through middle school for most students. Students with verbal learning disabilities should continue to practice through high school.

OER Resource: Reading Fluency (Digital Promise Learner Variability Project)