What is the goal of diagnostic and responsive literacy instruction?

• A. To assess students' skills and provide tailored support
• B. To group all students together
• C. To reduce time on instruction
• D. To focus only on fluency

Answer: (A)

Diagnostic and responsive literacy instruction uses ongoing assessment to identify each student’s specific reading and writing strengths and gaps, then delivers instruction that is tailored to those needs. By diagnosing what a learner can do and where they struggle, teachers provide targeted, explicit supports and monitor progress to adjust as needed. This approach is about meeting individuals where they are, rather than grouping everyone into one approach, and it involves more than just fluency—addressing decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing as part of a comprehensive plan.