Mr. Hom, a third-grade teacher, reviewed the universal screening data for his students. A small number of students were identified as at risk for reading difficulties. Which of the following tools is most appropriate for beginning to determine instructional targets?

While a phonics survey assesses students' ability to decode words using phonics rules, it does not directly evaluate the underlying phonological awareness skills that are critical for reading success. Thus, it may not provide the necessary insights into the specific instructional targets that need to be addressed for students at risk.

This assessment focuses on students' recognition of commonly used words, which is important but does not assess phonological skills. High-frequency word recognition is just one component of reading, and it may not identify the root causes of reading difficulties, making it less suitable for determining targeted instruction.

Reading fluency assessments evaluate students' speed and accuracy in reading text but do not diagnose the phonological skills necessary for decoding. While fluency is important, it does not provide the foundational insights needed to shape instructional targets for students struggling with reading.