What Does Lexile Measure Lexile Reader Measure Lexile

What Does Lexile Measure? §Lexile Reader Measure §Lexile Test Measure

Lexile Reader Measure �Measures student’s reading ability according to the Lexile scale �Higher reader measure=higher level of reading ability �Ranges from o. L to 2000 L �If student scores at/below 0 L, a Beginning Reader (BR) code is earned �Approximately 2 dozen tests can determine Lexile reading level (including Virginia SOLs) �Developed by Meta. Metrics Inc (an education measurement company)

Lexile Test Measure �Represents a text’s difficulty level according to the Lexile scale �Includes same level as Reader Measure (BR-2000 L) �Lower levels indicate easier comprehension

What Else Does Lexile Measure? �Does not measure book’s quality or content �Only measures difficulty of text �Word frequency and sentence length are two strong predictors of a text’s difficulty �Teachers, librarians, parents, and readers need to consider the book’s content, the reader’s interests, and the reader’s age

Targeted Reading �If a reader has a measure of 1000 L, he/she will probably understand 75% of text at the same level �Targeted Reading Rate: the point at which a reader will comprehend the text enough for understanding, but will still face reading challenges �The reader is not bored by easy text, but is not frustrated by the text �It is recommended that readers select books based upon their range rather than their specific level

Lexile Calculator �Calculate rate at which a student is expected to understand the text �Calculate the reading ability a reader is expected to have in order to understand the text

Lexile Book Database �Find a Book With Lexiles �Can find books by level, range, and interest

Accelerated Reader and Lexile

What is Accelerated Reader? �A competitor of Lexile � 75, 000+ schools use AR �Student takes a quiz after completing a book �Teachers and parents get feedback on student’s vocabulary and reading progress �Includes a reading level and an interest level for each book �Students are encouraged to read in their range rather than their level

How Does AR Differ From Lexile? �School Renaissance Institute is an open system; any norm-referenced reading test can be used �Lexile Framework is a closed standard; in order to match a student to a book, a Lexile reading test must be used

Sources �ATOS (Accelerated Reader) �The Lexile Framework for Reading

Lexiles and Virginia Schools �In October 2008, Governor Timothy Kaine announced a new initiative to help parents and educators connect children and books. �Governor Kaine, the Virginia Department of Education and Meta. Metrics Inc. worked together to provide the Lexile score on SOL reports. �Beginning in spring and summer 2009, students in grades 3 -8 taking the SOL reading test will have their Lexile score printed on their test reports.

How will this be used? �Educators can assign and suggest reading that is appropriate to each child’s Lexile level. �Parents can reinforce reading in schools by helping their child pick appropriate books. �The SOL reading test score will have more meaning by being attached to a Lexile score. It will empower parents to help their child improve.

Role of Public Libraries �Librarians in Virginia can assist parents and students by helping them to locate the right book in their Lexile range. �Inform parents about the Lexile website and how to use it. �There is a popular book list on the Library of Virginia Extranet site that you can keep handy for quick reference. http: //www. vpl. virginia. gov/youth/Lexile/titles. asp

VDOE Resources �The Virginia Department of Education website has useful information on many Lexile topics including: �Informational web presentations for parents and educators �Link to the Lexile website �Lexile conversion tables for 2008 SOL scores http: //www. doe. virginia. gov/info_centers/sol/lexile/index. shtml