FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

What does a reading error rate of less than 3% indicate about a student's reading level?

1. The student is struggling significantly

2. The student is reading at their independent reading level

3. The student needs more advanced materials

4. The student is reading at frustration level

The correct answer is: The student is reading at their independent reading level

A reading error rate of less than 3% indicates that the student is successfully navigating text with minimal difficulties, which typically aligns with their independent reading level. At this level, a student can read with a high degree of accuracy and fluency, demonstrating comprehension and engagement without significant stumbling over words or meanings. This level of performance suggests that the student is capable of handling texts that are just moderately challenging, allowing them to sustain interest and understanding while reading independently. When students read at their independent level, they tend to enjoy selections that are appropriate for their age, interest, and reading ability, leading to greater motivation and confidence in their reading skills. Higher error rates would suggest that the student may be either encountering texts that are too difficult or not allowing enough room for successful engagement with the material, which does not apply in this case where the error rate is low. Thus, a reading error rate of less than 3% is a strong indicator of proficiency at the independent reading level.