Targeted phonics instruction and tutoring are highly effective interventions for students with reading difficulties. Phonics instruction focuses on the relationship between sounds and their spellings, which is crucial for developing decoding skills that enable students to read new words. This systematic approach helps students understand the building blocks of language, facilitating better comprehension and fluency in reading.
Tutoring adds an individualized aspect to phonics instruction, allowing for personalized strategies and pacing tailored to each student's specific needs. This can significantly improve their reading capabilities by providing the support necessary to overcome particular challenges they might face.
In contrast, other options suggest strategies that lack the evidence-based support needed for students experiencing reading difficulties. For example, encouraging faster reading without support can lead to frustration and diminish reading comprehension. Relying solely on classroom teachers for help may not provide the specialized interventions necessary for students with significant reading challenges. Additionally, strictly using high school-level texts could overwhelm struggling readers, as those materials may not align with their current reading level or skills, hindering their progress.
Therefore, targeted phonics instruction and tutoring remain the best strategies for fostering reading success among students facing difficulties.