What is the primary responsibility of reading specialists in schools?

The primary responsibility of reading specialists in schools is to support students' literacy development and reading skills. This role involves assessing individual students’ reading abilities, designing and implementing tailored instruction to meet specific reading needs, and providing interventions to help students improve their reading comprehension and fluency. Reading specialists work closely with students who are struggling with reading and provide targeted support to enhance their literacy skills, ensuring that all students can achieve success in reading.

In addition to directly supporting students, reading specialists may also collaborate with classroom teachers to develop effective literacy strategies and may be involved in creating engaging reading programs throughout the school. Their work is crucial in promoting a strong foundation in literacy, which is essential for students' overall academic success. This focus on direct support for literacy development distinguishes the role of reading specialists from other responsibilities outlined in the other options, such as evaluating school policies or leading workshops, which do not center specifically on student literacy outcomes.