What did the National Reading Panel identify as one of the top facets of reading?

The National Reading Panel identified fluency as one of the top facets of reading because it encompasses the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression. Fluency is crucial because it serves as a bridge between decoding words and understanding the meaning of the text. When students achieve fluency, they can devote more cognitive resources to comprehension since they are not bogged down by the mechanics of reading. This aspect is essential for developing proficient reading skills as fluency enables learners to read longer texts more comfortably and fosters a more enjoyable reading experience.

In the context of the other options, comprehension is a critical skill, as it involves understanding the meaning of the text, but it is largely dependent on a reader's fluency. Vocabulary plays a significant role in comprehension as well, since a rich vocabulary allows for better understanding of a text's nuances and meanings. Motivation, while important for encouraging a love of reading and persistence, does not directly relate to the mechanics of how reading is performed. Hence, fluency stands out as a key component recognized by the National Reading Panel that directly influences overall reading proficiency.