Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Practice Test

At what reading level can a child read independently without teacher assistance?

1. Frustration Reading Level

2. Instructional Reading Level

3. Independent Reading Level

4. Advanced Reading Level

The correct answer is: Independent Reading Level

A child can read independently without teacher assistance at the Independent Reading Level. This level indicates that the child has sufficient decoding skills, comprehension abilities, and a good grasp of vocabulary, allowing them to engage with texts on their own. At this level, the child can read fluently and understand the material without requiring guidance, which promotes confidence and a love for reading. In contrast, the Frustration Reading Level is where the child struggles significantly with the content, leading to a lack of comprehension and fluency. The Instructional Reading Level suggests that the text is appropriate for teaching purposes, but the child still relies on support to fully grasp the material. The Advanced Reading Level typically exceeds the child’s current ability to read independently, so it wouldn't serve as a practical measure for assessing independent reading capabilities.