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 300L2 140L to 500L3 330L to 700L4 445L to 810L5 565L to 910L6 665L to 1000L7 735L to 1065L8 805L to 1100L9 855L to 1165L10 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/>.