In the comprehension skills strand, students develop and deepen the skills
necessary to comprehend and think critically about a variety of texts. The
goal of this strand is to equip students with skills to understand texts; interpret,
analyze, and synthesize information about a text; and monitor and adjust their
understanding of what they have read or heard. While the comprehension skills in
the TEKS are constant in each grade level, students will develop these skills
with increased complexity throughout the year and across grade levels. Students
will also apply these skills to increasingly more challenging texts as
they become more proficient readers. As readers interact with texts, they are
constantly trying to make sense of what they are reading. The skills in the
strand allow students to comprehend and process what they have read. As they
begin to read a text, students begin constructing meaning by establishing a
purpose for reading and asking questions. Students also use text features and
their understanding of the genre to make predictions about texts. As they read,
students build on their understanding by creating mental images of what they are
reading. They also make connections between the text and personal
experiences, other texts, and the world around them.
Comprehension skills allow students to deepen their understanding of texts.
Students do this by evaluating details from the text to identify key ideas. They
make inferences and draw conclusions about information or ideas not
explicitly stated in the text. Students also synthesize information
from texts to create a new understanding. Lastly, the comprehension skills strand
addresses the skills students need to assess their own understanding of what
they have read or heard. Students learn to use strategies to address and
overcome specific challenges they may experience in understanding a text. For
example, students learn to re-read, use annotations, or ask questions when they
discover that they do not fully comprehend
what they have read. These skills are critical in helping students become
proficient readers.The TEKS Guide provides more information on the student
expectations of the comprehension skills strand.