How does limiting Tier 2 group sizes to five or fewer students enhance literacy instruction?

Limiting Tier 2 group sizes to five or fewer students significantly enhances literacy instruction by facilitating greater opportunities for practice with teacher feedback. Small groups create an environment where the teacher can give individualized attention to each student. This personalized interaction allows the teacher to assess students' understanding, provide immediate feedback on their skills, and tailor instruction to meet each student's specific needs.

In smaller groups, students are more likely to participate actively, ask questions, and engage in discussion. This not only promotes deeper comprehension of literacy concepts but also helps in building their confidence as they practice reading and writing skills. Teachers can observe each student's progress more closely, identify areas where they might be struggling, and adjust the instruction accordingly, leading to more effective learning outcomes.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not directly correspond to the specific advantages offered by smaller tier groups in the context of literacy instruction. For instance, independent reading time, competition among students, or allocating resources is less directly tied to the personalized, interactive learning experience that small group sizes foster.