What is the highest level of material a student can comprehend when it is read to them called?

The highest level of material that a student can comprehend when it is read to them is referred to as the listening level. This level indicates the complexity of text a student can understand when the words are presented audibly, rather than through independent reading. At the listening level, students can often handle more advanced content compared to what they can read on their own, as they benefit from auditory processing and support from an adult reader.

Recognizing this distinction is crucial for educators and caregivers as it helps them select appropriate texts for read-aloud sessions that promote comprehension and engagement, which might be more challenging for the student to tackle independently. Understanding a student's listening level can also provide insights into their overall language skills and capacity for processing ideas and themes that might not be easily accessible through independent reading.