New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

What should NOT be done when monitoring fluency in struggling readers?

1. Provide encouraging environments

2. Continuously time them during reading

3. Encourage rereading familiar texts

4. Set achievable goals for practice

The correct answer is: Continuously time them during reading

Monitoring fluency in struggling readers should emphasize support and encouragement rather than pressure. Continuously timing a struggling reader can create anxiety and may discourage them from engaging fully with the text. The objective of monitoring is to help students gain confidence and improve their reading skills, and constant timing can shift focus away from comprehension and enjoyment of reading, potentially exacerbating their struggles. In contrast, providing encouraging environments fosters a positive reading experience, which is crucial for building confidence. Encouraging rereading of familiar texts allows students to practice fluency without the added challenge of decoding new words, leading to improved confidence and skill development. Setting achievable goals during practice helps keep students motivated and allows them to experience success in manageable increments. These strategies create a supportive framework for helping struggling readers improve their fluency.