What should a teacher do first if a student scores below grade level on a phonics diagnostic assessment?

When a student scores below grade level on a phonics diagnostic assessment, the most appropriate first step is to administer pre-decoding diagnostic assessments. This approach allows the teacher to gain a deeper understanding of the student's foundational skills and specific areas of difficulty. Pre-decoding assessments can highlight whether the student struggles with recognizing letters, understanding letter sounds, or other critical components that are necessary for building phonics skills.

By identifying these foundational gaps, the teacher can create a more tailored and effective intervention plan. Instead of assuming that providing additional reading materials, changing reading groups, or encouraging peer tutoring will automatically address the student's needs, conducting these assessments ensures that instruction is targeted and appropriate based on the student’s current abilities. This informed approach is crucial for fostering the student's growth in phonics and reading skills.