Which of the following is a fundamental goal of literacy development?

The fundamental goal of literacy development is the ability to read accurately. This skill is crucial because it forms the foundation for all subsequent literacy skills, including comprehension, fluency, and critical thinking. Accurate reading involves not just the capacity to decode words but also to understand and interpret the meaning behind the text.

This goal encompasses various aspects, such as the recognition of vocabulary, understanding sentence structure, and grasping the context of what one reads. Mastery of accurate reading opens the door to engaging with a wide array of texts, prompting further cognitive development and learning across subjects. Other skills, such as writing novels, understanding metaphors, or memorizing texts, are valuable but come after the fundamental ability to read accurately, which is essential for literacy progression.