Date Approved
8-10-2026
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Literacy Studies: Reading (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Elizabeth Stolle
Academic Year
2025/2026
Abstract
Research emphasizes the importance of building strong foundational skills among early readers. While reading is taught everyday in the classroom, there are not enough strategies and knowledge known by teachers to effectively instruct on fluency and comprehension skills. Fluency and comprehension are known as being crucial aspects of the reading process, but they have been inadequately included in many literacy curriculums. This project, grounded in research and well developed theories, holds fluency and comprehension instruction high in regard to the development of a proficient reader.It has been found that educators lack the training, resources, and confidence necessary to successfully teach fluency and comprehension to their students. To address this gap, this project presents a professional development aimed at helping first grade teachers. This professional development provides the opportunity for tailored instruction aimed at improving the knowledge of first grade teachers through coaching, continued collaboration, and reflection. Additionally, it includes classroom resources, assessments, and strategies designed to better fluency and comprehension instruction. The use of these various resources and strategies aims to progress teacher practice in ways that strengthen students’ experience of learning to read.
ScholarWorks Citation
Irwin, Makayla, "Growing Students' Fluency and Comprehension Skills" (2026). Masters Projects. 772.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/772
