What effect do sustained silent reading programs have on literacy?

Sustained silent reading programs primarily encourage reading enjoyment, which is a crucial factor in developing literacy skills. When students engage in reading for pleasure, they are more likely to explore various genres, styles, and topics that piqué their interest. This exploration helps improve their comprehension skills, vocabulary, and overall literacy development.

Furthermore, when students read texts that they choose freely, they experience a sense of autonomy and motivation, which can lead to increased fluency and a more profound love for reading. This intrinsic motivation is essential for fostering a lifelong habit of reading, which is correlated with academic success and improved literacy.

The other options do not encapsulate the core benefit of sustained silent reading programs. While discussions and vocabulary building are important aspects of literacy education, they do not capture the primary effect of sustained silent reading programs, which is the creation of a positive reading experience that enhances overall literacy skills through enjoyment. Limiting reading to assigned texts would not foster the same level of engagement and motivation, which detracts from the program's effectiveness in promoting literacy.