What are "frustration, instructional, and independent" levels in reading assessment?

The correct answer recognizes "frustration, instructional, and independent" levels as categories that indicate different levels of text difficulty that align with students' reading abilities. These terms are significant in understanding how well a student can engage with text based on their reading skills.

The frustration level refers to texts that are too difficult for the student, where they struggle significantly and cannot comprehend the material, leading to frustration. The instructional level denotes texts that are appropriately challenging, allowing students to read with some support and guidance, which fosters growth in their skills. Finally, the independent level includes texts that students can read on their own with comprehension and fluency, showcasing their ability to handle material without assistance.

By classifying texts into these levels, teachers can tailor reading instruction to meet the specific needs of each student, ensuring that they are neither overwhelmed nor under-challenged. This targeted approach helps in fostering reading development effectively.