Lexile: One Way to LevelBy: Casey Bennett

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 Lexile reding level can be determined from such tests

GradeReader Measures, Mid-Year

25th percentile to 75th percentile (IQR)

1 Up to 300L

2 140L to 500L

3 330L to 700L

4 445L to 810L

5 565L to 910L

6 665L to 1000L

7 735L to 1065L

8 805L to 1100L

9 855L to 1165L

10 905L to 1195L

11 and 12 940L to 1210L

Typical Reader Measures, by Grade

Lexile Levels

Lexile Levels• Lexile database- ranges from below 200L to above 1600L

– The Lexile codes, 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

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

Lexile Reader vs. Lexile Text Measure

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.

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-Lexile books

• Option 3#- Students receive Lexile measures at the beginning of the school year – In the library reorganized all fiction by Lexile zone

– Color-coded all nonfiction by Lexile zone\

– Create a student Lexile tracking center

– Recognize students for the growth accomplished and promote them on the "Lexile wall“

• Option #4- Have a cart in the library arranged by Lexile– Merges different collection systems and isn’t solely based on Lexile

Works Cited

"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/>.