In assessment design, what literacy-centered approach enhances learning across content areas?

• A. Focus solely on numeric computation.
• B. Include prompts that require explanation, justification, and evidence.
• C. Use multiple-choice questions without reasoning.
• D. Limit reading to textbook excerpts.

Answer: (B)

Literacy-centered assessment design treats reading and writing as integral to learning across subjects. When tasks prompt students to explain their thinking, justify claims, and provide evidence, they practice critical reading, argumentation, and clear written communication directly within the content area. This approach helps students transfer literacy skills—such as evaluating sources, constructing coherent explanations, and citing evidence—across disciplines like math, science, social studies, and language arts, leading to deeper understanding and better communication of ideas. The other options miss this integration: focusing only on numeric computation ignores literacy skills; using only multiple-choice questions without reasoning limits opportunities to demonstrate understanding or build literacy; and limiting reading to textbook excerpts reduces exposure to diverse texts and hinders skill development in analyzing and synthesizing information.