What is the first step in addressing a student's foundational reading weakness?

Identifying the specific weakness in a student's reading skills is a crucial first step because it provides a targeted approach to intervention. When educators accurately pinpoint whether a student struggles with phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, or comprehension, they can tailor the instruction to address those specific areas effectively. This targeted intervention can lead to improved outcomes, as the instruction is aligned with the student's individual needs.

By first understanding the nature of the weakness, teachers can avoid misdirecting their efforts. For instance, recommending general reading strategies or implementing exercises without knowing the root cause may not effectively support the student's growth. Similarly, assessing prior knowledge is also an important component of instructional practice but comes after identifying the specific weaknesses. The emphasis on diagnosis before intervention ensures that any subsequent teaching strategies can be accurately aligned with the identified needs of the student.