What is the first appropriate test for a teacher to administer to a 3rd grade student struggling with comprehension and word pronunciation?

The most appropriate test to administer first for a third-grade student struggling with comprehension and word pronunciation is a phonics test. Phonics assessments focus on a student's ability to understand the relationships between letters and sounds, which is crucial for decoding words. If a student has difficulties with word pronunciation, it often indicates a foundational issue with phonics skills.

Understanding phonics can significantly improve a student's ability to read accurately, which is closely tied to their comprehension skills. Once a teacher identifies specific phonics challenges, they can provide targeted interventions to help the student master these foundational skills. Addressing phonics first can lay the groundwork for better pronunciation and ultimately enhance overall reading comprehension.

In contrast, assessments focused solely on vocabulary, comprehension, or writing may not directly address the underlying phonics issues causing difficulties with word pronunciation, making the phonics test the most logical first step in this scenario.