Final answer:
To remediate reading issues among students, a diagnostic test should be used by the teacher to pinpoint specific areas of need and to help craft targeted instructional interventions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of remediating reading problems with students, a competent teacher should select a diagnostic test. This type of assessment is specifically designed to identify individual students' strengths and weaknesses, providing detailed information on specific areas where students struggle. Unlike summative assessments that evaluate overall learning at the end of an instructional period, or formative assessments which monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback, diagnostic tests help in creating targeted interventions to address specific needs.
Practice and assessment tools such as Grasp Checks and Self-Check questions can be considered forms of formative assessments that help students apply concepts and skills, and understand their learning progress. Performance tasks, on the other hand, offer more depth and practical application, allowing students to demonstrate their learning in a real-world context.