1.  Lexile Reader Measure  Lexile Test Measure

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

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

4. 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

5. Targeted Reading If a reader has a measure of 1000L, 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

6. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Sources ATOS (Accelerated Reader) The Lexile Framework for Reading

12. 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 MetaMetrics 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.

13. 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.

14. 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

15. 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