In dyslexia assessments, what is a significant indicator of reading proficiency?

Oral reading fluency combined with accuracy is a significant indicator of reading proficiency because it encompasses both how well a student can read aloud and how accurately they can do so. This dual focus allows for a more comprehensive understanding of a student's reading capabilities. Fluency involves a smooth and expressive reading style, which is essential for understanding the text, while accuracy ensures that the student is decoding words correctly. Together, these factors create a clearer picture of a student's overall reading proficiency, as proficient reading requires both the ability to read at an appropriate pace and to recognize words without errors.

In contrast, simply measuring the error rate in reading can indicate difficulties but does not provide a complete view of a student’s strengths in reading. Reading speed alone may show how fast someone can read, but it doesn’t account for comprehension or accuracy, which are critical for effective reading. Lastly, comprehension scores by themselves indicate understanding but don't reflect the mechanics of reading fluency or correctness. Thus, oral reading fluency combined with accuracy is the most holistic approach to assessing reading proficiency in individuals with dyslexia.