What is the purpose of fluency assessments?

Fluency assessments primarily focus on measuring the components of reading that contribute to a student's overall ability to read effectively. This includes reading speed, which refers to how quickly a student can read text; accuracy, which assesses how correctly the student reads the words; and expression, which evaluates the student's ability to convey meaning through their intonation and phrasing when reading aloud.

These components are crucial because they reflect a reader's ability to decode text fluently, which is important for understanding and retaining information. High fluency levels allow students to focus more on comprehension rather than being bogged down by the mechanics of reading. Therefore, fluency assessments provide valuable insights into a student's reading development, helping educators identify areas where intervention or support may be necessary to improve overall literacy skills.