What intervention goal should teachers focus on for students struggling to summarize informational texts?

Focusing on the creation of an outline that identifies the main idea of each section is highly beneficial for students struggling to summarize informational texts. This goal directly addresses the essential skills needed for effective summarization, which include understanding the core ideas and structuring information in a coherent manner.

When students create an outline, they are systematically breaking down the text into manageable components. This process encourages them to actively engage with the material, helping them to discern what information is most important. As they identify and summarize the main ideas, they develop their ability to condense larger sections of text into clear, concise statements—skills that are crucial not only for summarization but also for comprehension and retention.

The intervention fosters critical thinking by prompting students to evaluate which points are central to the text's overall message, thereby enhancing their analytical skills. Furthermore, it provides a framework that can be applied across various texts and subjects, promoting adaptability and confidence in their summarization abilities. This structured approach is particularly helpful for students who may feel overwhelmed by the volume of information in informational texts, guiding them towards a clearer understanding of how to approach summarization tasks.