According to evidence-based recommendations, what guideline best combines foundational reading skills with comprehension?

The guideline that best combines foundational reading skills with comprehension is using decodable texts alongside complex grade-level texts. This approach is effective because it allows students to practice their decoding abilities with texts that are accessible and aligned to their phonetic knowledge, while also exposing them to more complex vocabulary, themes, and sentence structures found in grade-level texts. This dual exposure promotes not only the development of essential reading skills but also enhances comprehension by gradually increasing the complexity of the reading material in a manageable way.

By incorporating decodable texts, students can build their confidence and fluency as they work through text that corresponds to their current level of understanding. Additionally, when they engage with more complex texts, teachers can address comprehension strategies such as summarizing, making inferences, and analyzing characters or themes, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the content. This balanced approach is crucial for developing proficient readers who can navigate both simple and challenging literature effectively.