Which assessment strategy is most appropriate for monitoring reading fluency in third graders?

Measuring students' average rate and accuracy while reading aloud is the most appropriate assessment strategy for monitoring reading fluency. This approach directly evaluates how quickly and accurately a student can read text, which are key components of reading fluency. Fluency is defined as the ability to read text smoothly and with expression, which encompasses both speed (rate) and correctness (accuracy). By assessing these two factors together, educators can gain insight into a student's overall fluency level.

This method allows for immediate observations of a student's reading behavior and provides data that can be used to guide instruction. Tracking both average rate and accuracy not only helps in identifying students who may require additional support but also enables educators to celebrate progress as students improve over time. Additionally, this assessment can be easily implemented through regular reading practice sessions, making it a practical choice for the classroom setting.

The other strategies mentioned do not provide a comprehensive picture of reading fluency. Evaluating comprehension after silent reading focuses on understanding rather than the fluency aspect of reading. Tracking net gains in accuracy and rate over repeated readings is helpful but may miss on-the-spot analysis of a student's current reading fluency. Analyzing automaticity with word lists, while useful for certain assessments, does not fully reflect the ability