Which indicator best reflects decoding proficiency during guided oral reading?

• A. Accuracy, self-corrections, and strategy use.
• B. Only reading speed.
• C. The number of letters read.
• D. The color of the font.

Answer: (A)

In guided oral reading, decoding proficiency is shown by how accurately a student reads words, notices when something doesn’t sound right, and uses decoding strategies to figure out tricky words. Focusing on accuracy captures whether the reader can map letters to sounds and blend them correctly. Self-corrections reveal that the reader is monitoring meaning and sound as they go, repairing misreads when needed. Strategy use shows the reader applying phonics rules, chunking, and other approaches to decode unknown words. Together, these indicators demonstrate reliable word reading and active problem-solving during reading aloud.

Speed alone can mask errors, the number of letters read doesn’t indicate decoding quality, and font color has no impact on decoding.