What is the primary goal of the skills or balanced approach in reading instruction?

The primary goal of the skills or balanced approach in reading instruction is to integrate multiple teaching strategies. This approach emphasizes a combination of phonics, whole language, and other methods to provide a well-rounded reading experience for students. By blending these strategies, educators can address the diverse needs and learning styles of students, helping them develop essential reading skills more effectively.

The balanced approach recognizes that no single method is sufficient for all learners. Instead, it promotes flexibility in instruction, allowing teachers to adapt to the specific requirements of their students as they advance in their literacy development. This can include direct instruction in decoding and comprehension, as well as opportunities for students to engage with texts in meaningful ways.

In contrast, other options such as comprehensive social development, heavy reliance on standardized testing, or the use of creative writing exercises do not encapsulate the essence of this approach as effectively. While they may play a role in the educational ecosystem, they do not focus on the integration of various instructional strategies aimed specifically at enhancing reading skills in a comprehensive manner.