definition of reading in No Child Left Behind Act

"reading" refers to a complex act of deriving meaning from print that requires the following:

1. understanding how phonemes (speech sounds) are connected to print symbols

2. an abilty to decode unfamiliar words

3. an ability to read fluently

4. adequate background knowledge and vocabulary to support reading comprehension

5. development of effective, active strategies to construct meaning from print

6. development and maintenance of motivation to read