What conclusion can be drawn for students who perform below the 50th percentile in words-correct-per-minute screening?

Students who perform below the 50th percentile in words-correct-per-minute screening are often demonstrating challenges with reading fluency. Fluency, which includes the ability to read text quickly and accurately, is crucial for comprehension since it allows students to focus on understanding the meaning of the text rather than decoding individual words.

A targeted intervention to improve automaticity is essential for these students because it helps them develop the speed and accuracy needed to read fluently. Interventions may include practices such as repeated reading, where a student reads the same passage multiple times to build familiarity and speed, or guided oral reading, where they receive support in fluency development.

By improving automaticity, students can free up cognitive resources to concentrate on comprehension, thereby enhancing their overall reading skills. This response highlights the need for strategic support focused on fluency to ensure these students can effectively progress in their reading abilities.