Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

Which student entering first grade is at the highest risk for reading difficulties?

1. A student with incomplete mastery of letter-sound correspondences

2. A student with limited oral language development

3. A student with incomplete grasp of phonics

4. A student with limited knowledge of syllable structure

The correct answer is: A student with limited oral language development

A student with limited oral language development is at the highest risk for reading difficulties because oral language skills form the foundation for literacy development. Children who struggle with oral language may have difficulty understanding and processing spoken words, which can hinder their ability to connect spoken language with written text. Limited vocabulary, poor comprehension skills, and difficulties with syntax can all impact a child's ability to develop reading proficiency. While mastery of letter-sound correspondences, phonics, and syllable structure are all important aspects of reading, they are often built upon a strong foundation of oral language skills. A child with limited oral language experiences may struggle to grasp these skills effectively, making it more challenging for them to engage with reading materials and develop appropriate reading strategies. Thus, identifying and addressing oral language deficits early on is critical to preventing future reading difficulties.