A fourth-grade student has been referred for a speech and language evaluation due to significant reading comprehension deficits. Which assessment area would yield the most relevant information?

The most relevant assessment area for understanding the reading comprehension deficits of a fourth-grade student would focus on spoken language assessment, curriculum-based assessment, and vocabulary knowledge. Reading comprehension is inherently linked to a student's ability to process and understand spoken language. Evaluating spoken language can provide insights into how well the student grasps language concepts, which is crucial for comprehension.

Curriculum-based assessments are valuable as they reflect the specific academic standards and expectations the student is facing in their grade level. These assessments can highlight areas where the student is struggling within the context of the current curriculum, offering direct insights into their comprehension abilities.

Additionally, vocabulary knowledge is a critical component of reading comprehension. Students must understand the meanings of words to connect ideas and concepts in texts, making vocabulary proficiency essential for effective comprehension.

The combination of these assessment areas provides a comprehensive understanding of the student’s language skills as they relate to reading comprehension, making it the most pertinent choice in this scenario.