What does proficient reading typically not require?

Proficient reading typically does not require teacher scaffolding. This is because once students have reached a level of proficiency, they possess the skills necessary to read and understand texts independently. They can engage with various materials, decipher meaning, and make connections without needing continuous support or guidance from an instructor.

Teacher scaffolding is essential during earlier stages of literacy development when students are still learning foundational skills—such as phonemic awareness, decoding, and comprehension strategies. However, as students become proficient readers, they transition to a level where they can apply these skills autonomously, indicating that they no longer find teacher-led scaffolding necessary for effective reading.

In contrast, proficiency in reading does require student independence, an understanding of context, and the ability to interpret meaning—all of which are critical for effective engagement with a range of texts.