Lexile Scores and Reading Choices

How Parents can Use This Standardized Test Point System

Nov 15, 2009

Reading abilities for school-age children are measured by standardized exams and reported with a Lexile score that parents can use to choose reading material for kids.

The standardized exam has become a common part of public education in the United States. When children bring home their exam reports there is now a number range reported along with the more expected scores. This range, called the Lexile, is a measurement of the child's reading and comprehension abilities.

A Lexile score is based on the Lexile Framework for Reading, developed and maintained by MetaMetrics. It is being used to help teachers and parents choose reading level appropriate, though not necessarily age appropriate, material for students so they are more likely to understand what they read.

How is a Lexile Score Determined?

Lexile scores are determined as part of already established standardized exams. This includes nationally available exams, such as the NWEA and Scholastic Reading Inventory, as well as many state assessment and international exams.

Lexile scores range from BR (beginning reader) through 2000L. The score is stated as part of a range, such as 900L – 1050L, representing how challenging the reading material was on the exam where the student's comprehension was around 75%. It does take into account the student's age or grade level.

Using a Lexile Score to Choose Reading Material

Thousands of children and teen age books have an associated Lexile score. Once a child's score or range is known parents can use the score to help their children find reading material. Many libraries and teachers have access to a database of books with the associated scores.

There are also online searches that parents can use to help locate an appropriate book. One is available at the Lexile Framework for Reading web site. Another can be located through the “Kids” tab at Barnes and Noble. In both cases the search requests information about the reader's age, grade level, and reading interests and then returns a list of possible books found in the database.

Problems with Using Lexile Scores

Since Lexile scores are determined through standardized exams they are also subject to the typical stress reaction of each student. Test anxiety can cause student scores to be lower than what the student can do in a relaxed environment, so requiring children to only read material in their range can mean they are reading books that are too easy.

Another problem with the Lexile scoring is that there is not accounting for grade level or age. A seven-year- old and an eleven-year-old could conceivably receive the same score, but the content of the reading level appropriate books could be too mature for the seven-year-old and too young for the older child.

Lexile scores provide a usable measure for parents to use to help their children find books to read that they will be able to understand. When helping a child find a book to read it is important to remember to consider the appropriateness of the content for the child as well as keep in mind that it is okay to choose a harder or easier book.

The copyright of the article Lexile Scores and Reading Choices in Parenting Resources is owned by Tammy Andrew. Permission to republish Lexile Scores and Reading Choices in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.