What defines the instructional reading level according to Fountas and Pinnell?

The instructional reading level, as defined by Fountas and Pinnell, is characterized by children reading with an accuracy of 90-94% while experiencing limited comprehension. This level of accuracy indicates that the student is able to read most of the text correctly but may struggle with understanding some aspects, which is a critical part of instruction.

At this level, the text is considered appropriately challenging for students, allowing them to build their reading skills with guidance. Teachers can support students in discussing and engaging with the text to enhance their comprehension further. This framework emphasizes the importance of not just reading words accurately but also developing an understanding of the content.

Reading with complete comprehension or without errors denotes higher levels of proficiency, which are not aligned with the instructional reading level aimed at promoting growth and skill development. This nuance highlights the balance between providing enough challenge while also ensuring that instruction can support further learning.