TEXES Science of Teaching Reading Practice Test

Which assessment result would indicate that a second grader might need additional evaluation?

1. A kindergarten student can't segment a three-phoneme word

2. A kindergarten student can't blend the onset and rime

3. A second grader can't recognize a phonemic change

4. A second grader can't delete a phoneme from a blend

The correct answer is: A second grader can't recognize a phonemic change

The scenario presented involves identifying an assessment result that suggests a second grader may require further evaluation regarding their reading and phonemic awareness skills. Recognizing a phonemic change is a foundational skill in reading development, particularly in the area of phonological awareness and phonemic awareness, which are crucial for successful reading comprehension and word decoding. If a second grader is unable to recognize a phonemic change, it indicates a significant gap in their understanding of how sounds function within words. This skill typically develops earlier in a child's education; therefore, failing to recognize phonemic changes at this stage might suggest broader difficulties in language processing or understanding, which could impact overall literacy development. This may warrant additional evaluation to identify specific areas of need and determine the appropriate interventions. In contrast, the other options describe difficulties experienced by kindergarten students. While these issues also merit attention, they reflect developmental challenges that may be typical for younger learners. By the second grade, expectations for phonemic awareness have advanced, making the inability to recognize phonemic changes particularly concerning and indicative of a need for further assessment.