TExES STR 293 Science of Teaching Reading Exam Study Guide |
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales | 2026–2028 Edition
Prepare for the TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR 293) certification exam
with this comprehensive study guide featuring original practice questions,
accurate answers, and detailed rationales. Covers phonological awareness,
phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, literacy assessment,
writing instruction, English learners, and evidence-based reading practices
aligned with the STR 293 exam framework. Perfect for focused review, self-
assessment, and building confidence before your teacher certification exam.
QUESTION 1
A teacher uses an assets-based approach when planning reading instruction. Which of
the following best demonstrates this approach?
A) Focusing primarily on students' reading deficits and areas needing improvement
B) Building upon students' cultural, family, and linguistic backgrounds as strengths
C) Using the same instructional materials for all students regardless of background
D) Separating English learners from native English speakers during reading instruction
ANSWER: B) Building upon students' cultural, family, and linguistic backgrounds
as strengths
Rationale: An assets-based approach builds on students' strengths and what they can do
rather than their deficits. Student strengths include cultural, family, and linguistic
background, among other things. This approach values what students bring to the
classroom rather than focusing on what they lack.
,QUESTION 2
A first-grade teacher uses explicit instruction when teaching a new phonics rule. Which
action best exemplifies explicit instruction?
A) Allowing students to discover the rule through reading independently
B) The teacher defines and teaches a concept, guides students through its application,
and arranges for guided practice until mastery is achieved
C) Having students memorize word lists without instruction
D) Using only contextual clues to teach new words
ANSWER: B) The teacher defines and teaches a concept, guides students through its
application, and arranges for guided practice until mastery is achieved
Rationale: Direct (explicit) instruction involves the teacher defining and teaching a
concept, guiding students through its application, and arranging for guided practice until
mastery is achieved. The teacher's language is concise, specific, and related to the
objective. This approach is supported by the National Reading Panel as a key component
of effective reading instruction.
QUESTION 3
A school implements a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for reading. At Tier 1,
which of the following would occur?
A) Intensive one-on-one intervention with a reading specialist
B) Core classroom instruction provided to all students
C) Special education evaluation and services
D) After-school tutoring programs
,ANSWER: B) Core classroom instruction provided to all students
Rationale: MTSS employs a tiered framework for instruction and intervention. Tier 1
consists of high-quality, evidence-based core classroom instruction delivered to all
students. Tier 2 involves targeted small-group interventions for students needing
additional support. Tier 3 includes intensive, individualized interventions.
QUESTION 4
A teacher notices that a student struggles with reading fluency. Which instructional
approach would be most effective to address this need?
A) Having the student read more difficult texts to challenge them
B) Providing repeated reading practice with feedback and modeling
C) Assigning the student to complete silent reading worksheets
D) Focusing exclusively on phonics instruction
ANSWER: B) Providing repeated reading practice with feedback and modeling
Rationale: Repeated reading with feedback and modeling is an evidence-based strategy
for improving reading fluency. This approach allows students to practice reading
connected text with teacher guidance, improving accuracy, rate, and prosody. Silent
reading worksheets and exclusive phonics instruction do not address the fluency deficit
directly.
, QUESTION 5
Which of the following is the best approach for demonstrating the importance of
independent reading to students?
A) Accommodating some in-class independent, student-choice reading by inviting
students to read at their desk if they finish an assignment early
B) Scheduling daily protected time for independent reading and discussing how this
practice builds reading stamina, vocabulary, and comprehension
C) Requiring students to complete reading logs with parent signatures
D) Using independent reading only as a reward for good behavior
ANSWER: B) Scheduling daily protected time for independent reading and
discussing how this practice builds reading stamina, vocabulary, and
comprehension
Rationale: Making independent reading a regular, protected part of the school day
demonstrates its value to students. When teachers explicitly discuss the benefits of
independent reading and provide time for it, students understand that reading is a priority.
Reading logs, rewards, and incidental reading time do not convey the same message.
QUESTION 6
A teacher is planning a lesson on vocabulary development. Which strategy is most
effective for teaching new vocabulary words?
A) Having students look up definitions in the dictionary and write sentences
B) Providing multiple exposures to the word in various contexts with student-friendly
definitions
C) Giving students a list of words to memorize for a weekly quiz
D) Only introducing new vocabulary words during whole-group instruction
Practice Questions, Answers & Rationales | 2026–2028 Edition
Prepare for the TExES Science of Teaching Reading (STR 293) certification exam
with this comprehensive study guide featuring original practice questions,
accurate answers, and detailed rationales. Covers phonological awareness,
phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, literacy assessment,
writing instruction, English learners, and evidence-based reading practices
aligned with the STR 293 exam framework. Perfect for focused review, self-
assessment, and building confidence before your teacher certification exam.
QUESTION 1
A teacher uses an assets-based approach when planning reading instruction. Which of
the following best demonstrates this approach?
A) Focusing primarily on students' reading deficits and areas needing improvement
B) Building upon students' cultural, family, and linguistic backgrounds as strengths
C) Using the same instructional materials for all students regardless of background
D) Separating English learners from native English speakers during reading instruction
ANSWER: B) Building upon students' cultural, family, and linguistic backgrounds
as strengths
Rationale: An assets-based approach builds on students' strengths and what they can do
rather than their deficits. Student strengths include cultural, family, and linguistic
background, among other things. This approach values what students bring to the
classroom rather than focusing on what they lack.
,QUESTION 2
A first-grade teacher uses explicit instruction when teaching a new phonics rule. Which
action best exemplifies explicit instruction?
A) Allowing students to discover the rule through reading independently
B) The teacher defines and teaches a concept, guides students through its application,
and arranges for guided practice until mastery is achieved
C) Having students memorize word lists without instruction
D) Using only contextual clues to teach new words
ANSWER: B) The teacher defines and teaches a concept, guides students through its
application, and arranges for guided practice until mastery is achieved
Rationale: Direct (explicit) instruction involves the teacher defining and teaching a
concept, guiding students through its application, and arranging for guided practice until
mastery is achieved. The teacher's language is concise, specific, and related to the
objective. This approach is supported by the National Reading Panel as a key component
of effective reading instruction.
QUESTION 3
A school implements a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for reading. At Tier 1,
which of the following would occur?
A) Intensive one-on-one intervention with a reading specialist
B) Core classroom instruction provided to all students
C) Special education evaluation and services
D) After-school tutoring programs
,ANSWER: B) Core classroom instruction provided to all students
Rationale: MTSS employs a tiered framework for instruction and intervention. Tier 1
consists of high-quality, evidence-based core classroom instruction delivered to all
students. Tier 2 involves targeted small-group interventions for students needing
additional support. Tier 3 includes intensive, individualized interventions.
QUESTION 4
A teacher notices that a student struggles with reading fluency. Which instructional
approach would be most effective to address this need?
A) Having the student read more difficult texts to challenge them
B) Providing repeated reading practice with feedback and modeling
C) Assigning the student to complete silent reading worksheets
D) Focusing exclusively on phonics instruction
ANSWER: B) Providing repeated reading practice with feedback and modeling
Rationale: Repeated reading with feedback and modeling is an evidence-based strategy
for improving reading fluency. This approach allows students to practice reading
connected text with teacher guidance, improving accuracy, rate, and prosody. Silent
reading worksheets and exclusive phonics instruction do not address the fluency deficit
directly.
, QUESTION 5
Which of the following is the best approach for demonstrating the importance of
independent reading to students?
A) Accommodating some in-class independent, student-choice reading by inviting
students to read at their desk if they finish an assignment early
B) Scheduling daily protected time for independent reading and discussing how this
practice builds reading stamina, vocabulary, and comprehension
C) Requiring students to complete reading logs with parent signatures
D) Using independent reading only as a reward for good behavior
ANSWER: B) Scheduling daily protected time for independent reading and
discussing how this practice builds reading stamina, vocabulary, and
comprehension
Rationale: Making independent reading a regular, protected part of the school day
demonstrates its value to students. When teachers explicitly discuss the benefits of
independent reading and provide time for it, students understand that reading is a priority.
Reading logs, rewards, and incidental reading time do not convey the same message.
QUESTION 6
A teacher is planning a lesson on vocabulary development. Which strategy is most
effective for teaching new vocabulary words?
A) Having students look up definitions in the dictionary and write sentences
B) Providing multiple exposures to the word in various contexts with student-friendly
definitions
C) Giving students a list of words to memorize for a weekly quiz
D) Only introducing new vocabulary words during whole-group instruction
