What should the SLP recommend to the teacher regarding the stuttering boy's reading assessment?

Recommending an assessment of reading level using silent reading is a sound approach when working with a student who stutters. Silent reading allows the child to engage with text without the added pressure of verbal expression, which can often exacerbate stuttering. This approach takes into account that stuttering primarily affects oral communication, so evaluating reading skills in a quieter context can provide a clearer picture of the student's literacy abilities. By assessing reading level through silent reading, the teacher can gauge comprehension and fluency without the influence of the stuttering, ensuring that the assessment focuses on the child's cognitive understanding of the material rather than their speech fluency.

In contrast, other options may not be as beneficial for evaluating the stuttering boy’s reading abilities at this time. Conducting an oral reading fluency reassessment could heighten anxiety, making it more difficult for the student to perform well and accurately reflect their reading skills. Administering a new stuttering therapy may not directly relate to understanding their reading abilities and might distract from immediate educational assessments needed. Lastly, waiting for speech improvement before reassessment could prolong the process of identifying the student’s reading level, hindering timely intervention and support in their literacy development.