Correct Response: D. Option D is correct because evidence indicates that a synthetic phonics approach to decoding instruction produces better phonemic awareness, reading, and spelling outcomes for beginning readers. Furthermore, explicit, systematic phonics instruction, as described in Option D, facilitates the development of more advanced code-based skills (Brady, 2020). Students not only develop skill in decoding specific words but also develop orthographic knowledge that facilitates more rapid decoding of unfamiliar words they will encounter in other texts (Ehri, 2014). Option A is incorrect because the approach described does not promote students' attention to decoding all the letter-sounds in a word, which is essential to developing more rapid and accurate word recognition over time. Option B is incorrect because guessing words based on context is an inefficient and inaccurate strategy for recognizing words. In addition, it does not prepare students to read texts at higher grade levels, which will include fewer and fewer pictures. Option C is incorrect because embedded phonics instruction is not systematic and therefore not supported by evidence as an effective approach to promoting reading and spelling development among beginning readers.
