Lexile : One Way to Level

1. Lexile: One Way to Level By: Casey Bennett

2. What is the Lexile Framework for Reading? • A new method designed to improve reading comprehension • Built upon 12+ years of research by MetaMetrics Inc. • Lexile Analyzer is a software program that analyzes any text • Measures text’s syntactic complexity • Algorithm measures vocabulary, word frequency, and sentence length • Assigns it a numerical level or “Lexile Rating” • Targets books on the right reading level for a child’s ability • Linked to national standardized tests such as the SATs and Common Core State Standards • A student’s Lexilereding level can be determined from such tests

3. Lexile Levels Typical Reader Measures, by Grade

4. Lexile Levels • Lexile database- ranges from below 200L to above 1600L • The Lexilecodes, in addition to the numerical range, are: • AD: Adult Directed- Picture Books • NC: Non-Conforming- Lexile measure markedly higher than is typical for the publisher's intended audience or designated developmental level of the book • HL: High-Low- Lexile measure much lower than the average reading ability of the intended age range of its readers • IG: Illustrated Guide- Books that consist of independent pieces or sections of text such as in an encyclopedia or glossary • GN: Graphic Novel- Graphic novel or comic book • BR: Beginning Reading- Lexile measure of 0L or below appropriate for the emergent reader • NP: Non-Prose- Book comprising more than 50% non-standard or non-conforming prose such as poems, plays, songs, and recipes

5. Matching Reader to Text • A student’s Lexile reading level measure is determined from a reading assessment • Texts’ Lexile rating are determined using the Lexile Analyzer • Reader is matched with a text of the same Lexile level- “targeted” reading experience • Focus on a range around the number- 100L below to 50L above reported Lexile measure • 75% of the reading material should be comprehended by the reader • Reader will encounter some difficulty with the text but not enough to get frustrated • Helps the reader to grow with a text that is not too easy nor too hard • Lexile levels can be used to monitor a reader’s growth in reading ability over a period of time

6. Lexile Reader vs. Lexile Text Measure

7. How to “Lexile” a Collection cont. • Integrate Lexile measures into your library's online catalog and book search • Lexile Titles Download • The Lexile Book Database contains measures for tens of thousands of books from hundreds of publishers • Separate databases for English and Spanish titles. • Do it yourself • Work with one of several library-automation partners who will do it for a fee.

8. How to “Lexile” a Collection • The Lexile leveling system has become a recent trend in many schools’ Library Media Centers • Option #1- Color code books by Lexile zone with spine stickers • Option #2- Analyze Lexile distribution of student test scores • Align library books purchases with students’ abilities • Select shelves just for high-Lexile and low-Lexilebooks • Option 3#- Students receive Lexilemeasures at the beginning of the school year • In the library reorganized all fiction by Lexilezone • Color-coded all nonfiction by Lexilezone\ • Create a student Lexile tracking center • Recognize students for the growth accomplished and promote them on the "Lexilewall“ • Option #4- Have a cart in the library arranged by Lexile • Merges different collection systems and isn’t solely based on Lexile

9. "PW: Lexile: Will All Books Need This Reading-Level Rating?" PublishersWeekly.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/print/19980810/25898-pw-lexile- will-all-books-need-this-reading-level-rating.html>. "TEACHERS." Scholastic Teachers. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/leveled-reading-systems- explained>. "The Lexile Framework for Reading." The Lexile Framework for Reading. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://lexile.com/>. Works Cited