What best describes the role of independent reading in developing literacy under Standard 1?

• A. It provides practice with decodable and leveled texts, motivates students, and helps apply decoding and comprehension strategies learned in instruction.
• B. It undermines teacher-guided practice.
• C. It should be avoided until post-secondary education.
• D. It replaces all classroom instruction.

Answer: (C)

Independent reading supports literacy development by giving students regular, self-selected practice that reinforces the decoding and comprehension skills taught in instruction. When students read decodable and leveled texts at their own pace, they apply phonics, word-attack strategies, and comprehension approaches in a real reading context, which helps these skills become more automatic. This practice also boosts motivation because learners choose texts that interest them, leading to more sustained reading time and opportunities to expand vocabulary, background knowledge, and reading stamina. Under Standard 1, the goal is to build word recognition, fluency, and understanding through explicit teaching paired with meaningful practice, and independent reading is a crucial way to transfer and extend those skills beyond guided sessions. It should be integrated into regular routines and used to support, not replace, classroom instruction, offering authentic practice while the teacher provides ongoing instruction and feedback.