What does miscue analysis help determine about a student's reading?

Miscue analysis is a method used to assess a student's reading by examining the errors or "miscues" they make while reading aloud. This process focuses specifically on the strategies a reader employs when encountering difficulties with text. By analyzing the types and patterns of these miscues, educators can identify how students approach reading tasks, the cues they rely on (such as semantic, syntactic, or graphophonic cues), and how effectively they decode text.

The patterns of reading strategies revealed through miscue analysis provide insight into a student's understanding of the reading process, thereby informing instruction tailored to their specific needs. For instance, if a student frequently uses context to make sense of unfamiliar words, teachers can build on that strategy to enhance their reading skills.

While vocabulary acquisition, comprehension levels, and fluency rates are important aspects of reading development, miscue analysis primarily focuses on the strategies used during the actual reading process, making it a valuable tool for understanding and enhancing a student's literacy development.