What is an important component of assessing reading fluency?

Evaluating both speed and accuracy is essential when assessing reading fluency because these two elements work together to provide a thorough understanding of a student's reading capability. Fluency is not just about how fast a student can read; it's equally about how accurately they can read the text. A fluent reader is one who can read at a good pace while also recognizing words correctly and conveying meaning. If a student reads quickly but mispronounces words or fails to convey the meaning of the text, their fluency is compromised. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment must consider both these critical aspects to accurately gauge a student's fluency. This approach helps educators identify areas where students may need additional support or practice, thus facilitating better reading development.