What strategies might teachers employ to improve literacy based on MERIT findings?

The choice focusing on targeted interventions aimed at phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension skills aligns closely with proven methods for enhancing literacy. Research indicates that these foundational components are crucial for developing strong reading abilities. Phonics instruction helps students understand the relationship between sounds and letters, which is essential for decoding words. Building vocabulary allows students to access a broader range of texts and fosters better comprehension, as understanding the meaning of words directly affects their ability to comprehend what they are reading. Comprehension strategies enable students to derive meaning from texts, making reading a more interactive and thoughtful process.

By employing targeted interventions that specifically address these areas, teachers can create personalized learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of their students. This approach is supported by data and best practices identified in MERIT findings, which emphasize the importance of direct teaching methods that cultivate essential literacy skills.