What is the purpose of progress monitoring in reading instruction?

• A. To select textbooks.
• B. To identify students needing more practice and tailor instruction.
• C. To assign grades without assessment.
• D. To evaluate school funding.

Answer: (B)

Progress monitoring in reading instruction is a steady, formative process that checks how a student is growing toward specific reading goals. By collecting quick, regular data on skills like decoding, fluency, and comprehension, teachers can see who is making expected progress and who needs more targeted practice. This information lets instruction be adjusted to fit each learner: grouping students by need, choosing focused strategies, and deciding when to intensify or modify supports. The aim is to keep teaching responsive to individual progress and ensure interventions are effective. This approach isn’t about selecting textbooks, assigning grades without assessment, or making funding decisions—it's about using ongoing results to guide daily instruction and meet students where they are.