What is an outcome of effective phonics instruction?

An outcome of effective phonics instruction is an increase in rates of reading fluency. Phonics instruction teaches students the relationships between letters and sounds, enabling them to decode words more efficiently. As students develop these skills, their ability to read smoothly and quickly improves, which contributes to overall reading fluency.

When students understand how to sound out words using phonics, they spend less time struggling with decoding and can focus more on comprehension. This seamless reading experience allows for better engagement with texts, reinforcing the positive cycle of fluency leading to greater understanding and enjoyment of reading.

The other options do not reflect the positive outcomes associated with effective phonics instruction. For example, effective phonics instruction typically reduces reliance on visual cues and fosters independent decoding skills rather than increasing guessing. Additionally, it should enhance student engagement by making reading more accessible and less frustrating, rather than leading to lower levels of engagement.