What characterizes a student's independent reading level?

A student's independent reading level is characterized by a comprehension rate of 90%-95% along with high accuracy in word pronunciation. At this level, students can read texts that they understand well without significant assistance. This high comprehension indicates that the student is able to grasp the main ideas, details, and nuances of the text, which is crucial for developing fluency and encouraging a love for reading. Additionally, a high accuracy in word pronunciation means that the student can decode words effectively, contributing to their overall reading confidence and enjoyment.

In contrast, the other options reflect levels of reading that are not indicative of independence. A comprehension of less than 50% suggests that the student is struggling significantly with the text, hindering their ability to engage with it independently. A comprehension level around 75% may still involve unnecessary support, and minor mispronunciations can indicate that the student is not yet fully confident in their reading abilities. Lastly, marked anxiety while reading aloud points to a lack of comfort and proficiency, suggesting dependence on guidance from educators or peers rather than a true independent reading capacity. Therefore, option A clearly embodies the characteristics of a student's independent reading level.