How do you assess reading levels
A popular method used by schools to measure reading achievement or a student reader’s ability is Lexile reading level or a Lexile Measure. A Lexile measure is a valuable tool for teachers, parents, and students. It serves two unique functions: it is the measure of how difficult a text is OR a student’s reading ability level. The Lexile Framework was developed by MetaMetrics©, an educational assessment and research team.
You might be wondering how your student’s Lexile measure compares to their peers. Lexile Grade Level Charts can help you explore the ranges of students’ Lexile measures for each grade.
Assessment is essential for reading because all students are at different levels and abilities.
A large part of being a reading teacher involves assessing your students' reading levels. There are numerous standardized tests in each state that evaluate student reading comprehension. These determine if a student can move onto the next grade or even graduate.
But, these tests mostly occur towards the end of the school year. How does that help you assess your students right now? You need to be able to evaluate your students and determine where they stand. Only then can you design instruction that will optimize learning.
The Zone of Proximal Development
Psychologist Lev Vygotsky first wrote about the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in the 1920’s. Widely known today as the ZPD, it’s become a foundational principle for performance in any area, from academics to arts, athletics and beyond. If you’re an educator, perhaps you’ve already heard of it in relation to evidence-based reading practices or seen it reported on assessments.
ZPD is when the difficulty of a task is beyond what the student can do by themselves, but within range of what they can do with help. Think of ZPD as the ‘sweet spot’ where learning occurs most effectively.
Since the ZPD is based on a student’s skill level, it’s specific to each individual. Finding, leveling and organizing passages for a class full of unique ZPDs could be challenging for a busy teacher.
Read more about ZPD