FTCE Reading K-12 Practice Exam

What does the Matthew Effect in reading suggest?

1. Skilled decoders improve while poor decoders fall behind

2. All students improve at the same rate

3. Reading skills are irrelevant to academic success

4. Only poor decoders benefit from reading practice

The correct answer is: Skilled decoders improve while poor decoders fall behind

The Matthew Effect in reading refers to the phenomenon where skilled decoders—those who have developed strong reading skills—continue to improve and accelerate their reading abilities, while those who struggle with decoding tend to fall further behind. This concept is based on the biblical saying "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer," illustrating how initial advantages in literacy can lead to greater opportunities for learning and comprehension over time. In this context, students who are already proficient in reading are likely to have more access to resources, better instructional opportunities, and more motivation to engage with texts, leading to an upward spiral of increasingly advanced reading skills. Conversely, those who struggle with basic decoding may find themselves less engaged and exposed to fewer reading opportunities, leading to stagnation or a decline in their reading abilities. Thus, the Matthew Effect highlights the widening gap in literacy skills based on early reading experiences and abilities, emphasizing the need for targeted support for students who are struggling to catch up.