Total Reader and Grade Level Equivalents

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Mar.27, 2012

by Scott Sibley, product manager, Total Reader

At Total Reader, one of our top priorities is making enhancements based on user feedback. Because Total Reader uses the scientifically-proven

Lexile® Framework for Reading to provide assessment and targeted reading practice, we get suggestions and questions related to Lexile measures.

One of the more common questions we hear is some variation of "What is the Lexile measure for a fifth-grade student?" Or, “If a student has a Lexile measure of 950L, what grade does that represent?”

MetaMetrics®, the company that developed Lexile measures, does not report student ability levels as grade equivalents. Instead, a Lexile measure represents ability based on a student's progress on a developmental scale.

However, teachers need to use grade equivalents to compare a student's performance to a nationally representative sample of students. So, while there is no such thing as a “fifth-grade reader” there are several ways to make a grade-level correlation.

We set out to provide our users with the ability to easily track student progress based on multiple grade-level alignments. Teachers can see where students stand based on two grade-level norming groups. Teachers can also see how students are progressing according to the Common Core "stretch" level groups. The three alignments can also be used to set up reading groups.

Another common question from educators is how often students should be using Total Reader. It can be used to monitor reading and reading-related skills daily, weekly or monthly. Many teachers use Total Reader as a special activity.  Students enjoy using the program because they get to choose what they want to read, and they like seeing the new Lexile measure instantly.

Educators also asked us for more information on how Total Reader can be integrated into reading instruction. Several user guides addressing this issue are available on the Total Reader home page. The guides explain how to use Lexile data for:

• Targeting Lexile-appropriate supplemental material based on a student's Lexile measure
• Creating a library for students to easily match Lexile measure to books in the appropriate range for optimal reading growth
• Preparing for the SAT, ACT, and other college entrance exams
• Setting goals to bridge the readiness gap
• Meeting the U.S. Department of Education What Works Clearinghouse recommendations for screening reading ability and providing differentiated instruction
• Flagging students who need interventions

The entire Total Reader team is excited about the new partnership with Naviance. We hope you will explore the benefits of targeted reading practice and we look forward to hearing your valuable feedback!

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