Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Foundations of Reading Practice Exam

What does Miscue Analysis focus on in a student's reading practice?

1. The phonetic decoding of words

2. The analysis of reading fluency

3. The observation of oral reading behaviors

4. The comprehension of written texts

The correct answer is: The observation of oral reading behaviors

Miscue Analysis focuses on the observation of oral reading behaviors to assess how students interact with texts while reading aloud. This process involves closely analyzing the errors or "miscues" a reader makes as they read, which can provide insights into their reading strategies, comprehension, and ability to decode words. By examining these oral reading sessions, educators can identify patterns in a student's reading behavior and the types of errors they tend to make, which ultimately helps in tailoring instruction to improve reading skills. This approach is particularly valuable because it goes beyond mere word identification. It enables educators to understand the cognitive processes that occur during reading, such as the use of context clues, self-correction abilities, and overall engagement with the text. Such detailed observations help in diagnosing areas where a student may need additional support, making them a critical component of effective literacy instruction.