What is the purpose of a literacy assessment?

The primary purpose of a literacy assessment is to determine students' reading and writing abilities and inform instruction. By assessing literacy, educators can gain insights into each student's strengths and weaknesses in these critical areas. This information is invaluable for tailoring instruction to meet individual needs, ensuring that teaching practices align with the specific skill levels and learning goals of the students.

For instance, if an assessment reveals that a student struggles with comprehension but excels at decoding words, a teacher can provide targeted interventions that focus on building comprehension skills while maintaining the student's reading fluency. Ultimately, literacy assessments serve to enhance educational outcomes by guiding instruction and helping students achieve their full potential in literacy development.