At what fluency level is the text considered challenging but manageable for the reader?

The instructional level is characterized by texts that are challenging yet manageable for the reader. At this level, students are able to read and comprehend the material with some support. They may encounter unfamiliar words or concepts, but they can still grasp the overall meaning of the text and engage with it effectively, often with guidance from a teacher or a more proficient peer. This level promotes learning through the opportunity to practice reading and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

In contrast, the independent level represents texts that readers can navigate easily without assistance, suggesting they are well within the reader's skill set. The frustration level refers to materials that are too difficult for the reader and lead to confusion and lack of understanding, creating a barrier to effective reading. Lastly, the basic level typically indicates an early stage of reading development where texts are extremely simple and not particularly challenging. Thus, the instructional level is the appropriate choice as it strikes the right balance for fostering growth and learning in reading abilities.