What is the goal of instructional reading level texts?

The goal of instructional reading level texts is to provide appropriate text for guided reading. At this level, the text is selected based on the reader’s abilities, ensuring that it is neither too easy nor too difficult. This balance allows students to engage with texts that challenge them while still being within reach, enhancing their reading development through guided instruction.

The focus on guided reading means that teachers can support students in comprehending the material through strategy instruction and discussion, helping to scaffold their understanding and improve their overall reading skills. Such texts can cater to various reading strategies, allowing for targeted teaching that meets students where they are in their literacy journey.

In contrast, improving reading skills for fluent readers or challenging advanced readers with complex texts does not align with the purpose of instructional reading level texts, which aim specifically to provide manageable challenges for developing readers. Encouraging independent reading practice also typically involves texts that are at the individual’s comfort level, which is not the specific intent of instructional level texts in a guided context.