North Carolina Foundations of Reading Practice Test

If a student reads a passage with less than 3% error, what level are they reading at?

1. Frustration reading level

2. Instructional reading level

3. Independent reading level

4. Below grade level

The correct answer is: Independent reading level

A passage with less than 3% error indicates a high level of reading proficiency for that student. Typically, this low error rate signifies that the student can read the material comfortably and understand its content with minimal difficulties. At the independent reading level, students can read texts on their own fluently and with good comprehension. This level is characterized by texts that are well within the student’s reading capabilities, allowing for self-correction and engagement with the material without excessive reliance on support or instruction. Therefore, achieving an error rate of less than 3% indicates that the student is likely navigating the text independently and successfully, justifying the classification of independent reading level.