At the independent reading level, a student should be able to...

A student at the independent reading level should have a solid grasp of the text they are reading. Understanding or pronouncing 95% of the words is a key indicator of this level. This percentage suggests that the student can navigate the text with relative ease, allowing them to focus on comprehension and engagement with the material rather than struggling with decoding or recognizing words.

This level of proficiency supports the development of reading fluency and confidence, as the student is capable of independently tackling texts that challenge them while still being within their capacity to understand most of the vocabulary. Such a high level of word recognition enables the student to grasp the main ideas, themes, and details of the text, fostering a greater love for reading and enhancing literacy skills.

In contrast, other options depict less effective benchmarks for independent reading. A requirement to understand 100% of words would create an unrealistic expectation, as even proficient readers often encounter unfamiliar vocabulary. Answering only 50% of grade-level questions indicates insufficient comprehension of the text, suggesting the student is not engaging with the material deeply enough. The notion of reading without any assistance may not reflect true independent reading skills since every reader can benefit from support and guidance, particularly in developing their understanding and interpretation of texts.