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Two ways to measure text complexity

What is a Lexile measure?

The Lexile Framework for Reading assesses both the reader’s level and the complexity level of the material being read. When these two measures match, a targeted reading experience occurs, resulting in growth. Renaissance has partnered with the creators of the Lexile Framework, MetaMetrics, Inc., to be able to bring Lexile® Measure into Accelerated Reader and Star Reading. To learn more, visit their website to read about Lexile measures.

What is ATOS?

The ATOS readability formula guides students to appropriate-level books. Confirmed as a valid and reliable text complexity measure for the Common Core Standards, ATOS takes into account the most important predictors of text complexity—average sentence length, average word length, and word difficulty level. The results are provided in a grade-level scale that is easy to use and understand.

Why is text complexity important?

Read the study

How is text complexity determined?

Qualitative

Qualitative factors include levels of meaning, structure, language conventionality, clarity, and knowledge demands. Interest level (i.e., content and maturity level of text) and genre are provided in AR BookFinder.

Quantitative

Quantitative dimensions include word length or frequency and sentence length that can only be measured efficiently by computer software.

Reader and Task

Reader and Task considerations include students’ motivation, knowledge, and background interests along with the purpose and complexity of task assigned, and are best made by the teacher.

Adapted from Appendix A of the CCSS for English Language Arts and Literacy.

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Calculate the readability level for text passages or books.

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