What does monitoring progress in literacy involve?

Monitoring progress in literacy primarily involves tracking students' previous knowledge because it allows educators to understand the starting point of each student and how much they have progressed over time. This approach enables teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the specific needs of learners, fostering an effective literacy development plan. By considering what students already know, educators can build on that foundation and identify areas where additional support may be needed.

This choice emphasizes the importance of individualized learning paths and aligning instruction with students' backgrounds and experiences. For instance, if a student has prior knowledge about a certain topic, educators can engage them with more complex texts related to that topic, enhancing comprehension and retention.

Other options, such as comparing grades or evaluating reading speed, focus on outcomes rather than the ongoing process of learning. Summarizing texts, while a crucial literacy skill, is more of a strategy rather than a method for monitoring progress. Hence, tracking previous knowledge provides a comprehensive picture of literacy development, enabling meaningful assessments and targeted interventions.