The Lexile Framework: An Overview

Mrs. Suzanne Flynn, School LibrarianMr. Ron Carlisle, 6th Grade Teacher

Shaler Area School DistrictMay 9, 2012

What are Lexiles?Scientific approach to reading and text

measurementMatches reader ability and text difficulty,

allowing individualized monitoring of progress.

Research shows matching the reader and text improves reading skills.

Who Developed Lexiles?Developed in 1984 with a grant from National

Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

MetaMetrics: a private educational measurement and research organization.Develops scientific measures of academic

achievement that enhance differentiated instruction and personalized learning.

Lexiles and Common Core StandardsLexiles:

Cited by Common Core State Standards for English/Language Arts.

Adopted by nearly half of all states in the United States.

Cited in Common Core Standards, Appendix A.*Common Core Standards recommend

Lexile bands for reading comprehension development be each grade level.*

How Do Lexiles Actually Work?Two parts:

-Lexile measure relates to the text-Lexile scale relates to the reader

Measure the TEXT:Reading ability or text difficult score followed

by an “L” (i.e. 850L)Comprehension difficulty

Semantic difficulty (word frequency) Syntactic difficulty (sentence length)

Measuring the Text Using LexilesA book has a Lexile level, a readability ratingA student has a Lexile score, which is their

instructional levelMeasures the syntactic difficulty

-Syllables per word-Words per sentence

Measures the semantic difficulty-Happy = 50 Lexiles-Glad = 120 Lexiles-Pleased = 360 Lexiles-Jovial = 460 Lexiles

Evaluates EVERY word and SENTENCE

Text Examples460 Lexile Version

-Row your boat gently down the stream.-8 syllables; 7 words; one sentence

800 Lexile Version-Propel your vessel placidly down the tributary.-14 syllables; 7 words; one sentence

(Measured using http://www.lexile.com)

Real-Life ExamplesCD/DVD player instructions; 1080LInstalling your child safety seat; 1170LFederal Tax Form, W-4; 1260LApplication for Student Loan; 1270LChicago Tribune; 1310LThe Wall Street Journal; 1320L

(Kilzer, R. (2009). The Lexile framework for elementary.)

Using the Lexile ScaleLexile scale (the READER):

Developmental scale for readingRange from below 200L (beginning-reader

material) to above 1700L (advanced text)

How Do We Measure the Students?Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI)

“Research-based, computer-adaptive reading assessment that measures students’ level of reading comprehension and reports it using the Lexile Framework for Reading.”

Administered three times per school year September, January, May Computer-based Academic coaches assist in administration Data-driven instructional piece

Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI)Using Lexile levels to inform instruction and

choiceIndependentInstructional Frustration

How Does the Lexile Compare to Grade Level?

Lexile scores in a range of numbers.More accurate than grade-level.Compare to “shoe size.”

What Lexile Does NOT MeasureDevelopmental Suitability:

Age-appropriatenessPrior knowledge required for comprehension

Quality:“Good” booksBooks to “hook” reluctant readers

Content:Complexity of plotComplexity of character(s)

Lexile is a Good Measuring Tool, but it is Just One Factor in Great Book Selection!

Interest Mystery

Guys Read

Awards

Fantasy

Biography

Quality Literatur

e

Recommendations

The Lexile Scale and Independent Reading Level (Fluent)

100 to 250 Lexiles below SRI Lexile ScoreVocabulary and syntax should be easyMaintains and increases reading

comprehensionBuilds fluency and confidenceExplores new or difficult subjectsPractices reading skills

The Lexile Scale and Instructional Reading Level (On-Level)

50 Lexiles above or 100 Lexiles below SRI Lexile scoreStudents can read at this level with

accompanying instructionAppropriate level of challenge for small group

workMaintains and increases reading

comprehensionUse for audio book selection

The Lexile Scale and Frustration Reading Level (Challenging)

50 Lexiles to 250 Lexiles above SRI Lexile scoreIdeal for teacher modeling or read aloud

textStudent will not be able to read the text

independentlyUse with support only when student has a

deep interest/prior knowledge base of subject matter

Important to consider!!!

SAES Library and LexilesLexiles purchased for school library catalog.Lexiles are recorded within the inside cover

of each reading selection.Students are able to then self-select books

based on his or her Lexile.Flexibility remains constant- students may

read slightly above or below their Lexile.Promotes independent reading!

“Reader Behaviors”Readers have a “next” book.Readers talk about what they’re reading.Readers like to keep track of what they have

read.

Types of ReadersDeveloping Readers

-Experiencing reading failure time and time again.Dormant Readers

-These students never discover that reading is enjoyable.-Because much of reading is dictated by teachers, these readers do not learn to choose books for themselves.

Underground Readers-Avid readers-School is about performing to the teacher’s expectations and doing the work that is required.-Their reading takes place all outside of school, or at “stolen” moments (hiding their book in their desk)

Some Lexile ObservationsNonfiction tends to score higher than fiction.Most upper elementary fiction books fall within

the 600L to 1000L range.Fantasy fiction tends to score HIGHMystery fiction tends to score LOWTitles with older publication dates score higher

within the Lexile Framework.No correlation between book length and Lexile

score.Not necessarily a correlation between target

audience and Lexile score.

Relating Lexiles to Reading Incentive Programs

Shaler Area Elementary School- “Blazing the Titan Trail: A Reading Adventure”

School-wide field trip celebration in June.Motivational assemblies throughout the

school year.Students are challenged to read at least 25

Reading Counts books within their Lexile range, and pass its corresponding quiz by scoring 80% or higher. (8/10)

Promotes reading and makes reading fun!Reading becomes part of lifelong learning!

Conclusions…The Lexile Framework helps to encourage

students to read within a “comfort zone.”Respect confidentiality within student SRI

scores.Flexibility is a must when creating a school-

wide reading incentive program using Lexiles.

Do not confine students exactly to his or her Lexile, maintain an open mind.

Encourage students to READ, READ, READ!

ReferencesThe Lexile Framework® for Reading. MetaMetrics. <http://lexile.com>.

"Andrew Kyngdon Joins Durham-Based MetaMetrics Inc. as Senior Research Scientist." dBusinessNews: Daily Business News Delivered to Your Desktop. 24 Oct 2006. dBusinessNews. 6 Nov 2006 <http://www.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?newsid=96277&type_news=past>.

Ezarik, Melissa. "Text Demands on Students Don't Meet Life's Demands." Curriculum Update June 2005.

Glick, Andrea, and Renee Olson. "Company Touts System to Match Students and Books." School Library Journal Sep 1998: 94.

Jones, Chip. “Measure of Difficulty." Richmond Times-Dispatch 4 May 2006.

Reid, Calvin. "Lexile Ratings Catch On." Publishers Weekly 6 Sep 2004: 8.