What is the primary benefit of a special education teacher preparing a student for reading by activating prior knowledge?

Activating prior knowledge is a crucial strategy in reading instruction, especially in special education. When a special education teacher helps a student activate their prior knowledge before engaging with a text, it prepares the student to connect new information with what they already know. This enhances comprehension and retention, as students are able to create a mental framework that makes the material more meaningful.

By setting a purpose for reading, the student becomes more focused and motivated. They understand what to look for within the text, which aids in comprehension and critical thinking. This approach aligns with effective teaching methodologies that emphasize the importance of connecting new learning to existing knowledge, thereby promoting a deeper understanding of the reading material.

Other options do not address the primary benefit of activating prior knowledge in a direct way. Memorization, attendance, and the volume of homework relate less specifically to the process of reading comprehension and instructional strategies in reading.