What initial strategy should a teacher use to group students by reading ability?

The initial strategy of administering an informal reading inventory is an effective method for grouping students by reading ability because it provides direct assessment information about each student's reading level and skill needs. This approach allows the teacher to gather specific data on factors such as fluency, comprehension, and specific literacy skills, which can vary greatly among students. By understanding where each student is in their reading development, the teacher can form groups that are more homogeneous in terms of ability, enabling targeted instruction that meets the needs of each group.

Administering a reading inventory is beneficial as it creates a foundation for differentiated instruction. Teachers can tailor their instruction to focus on the specific challenges and strengths identified within each group. This strategy leads to a more effective and personalized approach to literacy instruction, fostering a better learning environment for all students.

Other options, while they may have merits in different contexts, do not provide the same level of targeted insight into students' reading abilities. Random selection of groups does not take into account the diverse needs of students, which can result in ineffective teaching strategies and hinder some students' learning progress. Asking students to self-assess their reading abilities can lead to inaccurate self-perception and does not provide objective data for grouping. Observing students during independent reading can offer some insights