Correct Response: A. Integrating decodable texts with phonics instruction aligns with evidence- based instruction. Practice applying newly learned phonics skills to read words is an essential component of an effective beginning reading program. Reading decodable texts gives beginning readers opportunities to practice applying newly learned phonics patterns and skills in the context of connected text to help build automaticity. Decodable texts aligned with the sequence of instruction in the reading curriculum emphasize words with phonics patterns previously taught. Because these texts feature regularly spelled words that match children's phonics knowledge, they encourage children to use decoding for word identification, which is prerequisite for developing accurate, automatic reading skills. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because leveled texts, illustrated predictable texts, and themed alphabet books do not limit words included in the text to those with known phonics patterns. These text types often use picture supports and repeated (i.e., predictable) phrases that promote the use of guessing as a word identification strategy, which undermines the development of strong decoding skills in beginning readers.
