If a student shows low accuracy and weak decoding skills on an Oral Reading Fluency assessment, what is the best next step?

When a student demonstrates low accuracy and weak decoding skills in an Oral Reading Fluency assessment, administering a Phonics Diagnostic Assessment is the most appropriate next step. This choice is grounded in the understanding that decoding issues often stem from a lack of foundational phonics knowledge. By assessing phonics, educators can identify specific areas where the student may struggle, such as letter-sound relationships and blending sounds, which are crucial for effective decoding.

This targeted assessment allows for the development of an individualized instructional plan that addresses the student’s specific needs in phonics, thereby improving their reading skills. The focus on phonics directly aligns with the goal of enhancing decoding abilities, facilitating the student's overall reading development. In contrast, administering assessments on vocabulary, providing extensive reading time, or conducting comprehension quizzes do not directly address the underlying issues related to decoding, making them less effective choices at this stage.