What is a key purpose of ongoing assessments in reading instruction?

Ongoing assessments in reading instruction serve a significant role in helping educators understand their students' learning progress. This approach enables teachers to gather detailed information about students’ strengths and weaknesses. By consistently monitoring reading skills, teachers can identify specific areas where a student may excel or struggle. This knowledge allows them to tailor their instruction to meet individual students' needs, adjusting strategies and interventions to enhance learning outcomes.

Additionally, ongoing assessments foster a responsive teaching environment, where instructional methods can be regularly refined based on real-time data. By having an accurate picture of each student's abilities and challenges, educators can provide the appropriate support, whether that involves enrichment for advanced learners or targeted interventions for those who require additional help. This process ultimately contributes to a more effective literacy program and helps build a strong foundation for lifelong reading skills.