As a second-grade teacher, if a child reads at 36 words per minute with 98% accuracy, should you be concerned?

The reasoning behind the choice that highlights concern about a reading rate of 36 words per minute with 98% accuracy is based on the understanding that reading fluency greatly impacts overall comprehension and engagement with the text. At the second-grade level, children are expected to read at a pace that allows them to process information effectively and enjoy reading.

While the accuracy percentage shows that the child is making few errors, a reading rate of 36 words per minute is significantly below the typical fluency benchmarks for second graders, which generally range from around 60 to 90 words per minute. This slower pace may hinder the child's ability to fully grasp the meaning of the text, as they could be spending too much time decoding individual words rather than maintaining the flow of reading or inferring overall meaning from the context.

Fluency is not just about speed; it's about the ability to read smoothly and with automaticity, which supports deeper comprehension. Therefore, a concern regarding the child's reading rate suggests that they may need additional support and intervention to enhance their fluency, which in turn could lead to improvements in their understanding and appreciation of written material.