Which assessment term describes measuring a reader's ability to identify letter-sound relationships before decoding?

Which assessment term describes measuring a reader's ability to identify letter-sound relationships before decoding?

• A. Summative reading test
• B. Timed fluency assessment
• C. Pre-decoding diagnostic assessment
• D. Phonemic awareness inventory

Answer: (C)

This item tests a term that targets the early skills students need before they begin decoding, specifically recognizing how letters map to sounds. Being able to identify letter-sound relationships is foundational to decoding, so a pre-decoding diagnostic assessment is designed to measure these exact abilities before students start decoding words. It helps pinpoint gaps in alphabet knowledge and sound-letter mapping so instruction can be targeted. In contrast, a summative reading test evaluates overall achievement after instruction, a timed fluency assessment measures reading speed and accuracy on connected text, and a phonemic awareness inventory checks the ability to hear and manipulate sounds without necessarily linking them to printed letters.

This item tests a term that targets the early skills students need before they begin decoding, specifically recognizing how letters map to sounds. Being able to identify letter-sound relationships is foundational to decoding, so a pre-decoding diagnostic assessment is designed to measure these exact abilities before students start decoding words. It helps pinpoint gaps in alphabet knowledge and sound-letter mapping so instruction can be targeted.

In contrast, a summative reading test evaluates overall achievement after instruction, a timed fluency assessment measures reading speed and accuracy on connected text, and a phonemic awareness inventory checks the ability to hear and manipulate sounds without necessarily linking them to printed letters.