New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

If a student demonstrates poor text comprehension despite decoding ability, what is the first step the teacher should take?

1. Evaluating the student's major comprehension strategies

2. Determining the extent of the student's vocabulary knowledge

3. Evaluating the student's ability to apply grade-level phonics skills

4. Assessing the student's engagement levels during reading

The correct answer is: Determining the extent of the student's vocabulary knowledge

Determining the extent of the student's vocabulary knowledge is crucial because vocabulary is a foundational component of reading comprehension. Even if a student can decode words effectively, limited vocabulary can hinder their ability to understand and make meaning from the text. Comprehension relies heavily on a student's ability to recognize and understand words and phrases as they read; if students encounter unfamiliar vocabulary, they may struggle to grasp overall meaning, themes, and concepts within the text. Assessing vocabulary can help identify specific gaps that may be impacting comprehension. Once the teacher understands the student's vocabulary knowledge, they can implement targeted interventions and strategies to enhance the student's understanding of words, thereby improving their ability to comprehend the material they read. This foundational step can create a pathway for better text comprehension and overall reading proficiency. The other options, while valuable in their own right, focus on different aspects of reading that may be secondary to the immediate need for vocabulary development in relation to text comprehension.