What is a Lexile measure?

A Lexile measure is a standard score that matches a student’s reading ability with difficulty of text material. A Lexile measure can be interpreted as the level of book that a student can read with 75% comprehension. Experts have identified a 75% comprehension level as offering the reader a certain amount of comfort and yet still offering a challenge. The Lexile® map shows Lexile measures ranging between approximately 200L and 1700L. However, some reading materials and readers do have Lexile measures below 200L and may have a code of BR* for beginning reader. 

Now that I kn​ow my child’s Lexile measure, what do I do with it?

Example: Susie’s Individual Student Report shows she has a Lexile measure of 450L. Her range would be 350L to 500L. To find reading material that she can read with at least a 75% comprehension level, select books, magazines, or other reading material within this range.

Where can I find books within my child’s Lexile range?

Libraries now have many books that have been tagged with a Lexile measure. Ask your school media specialist or public librarian to assist in locating books with Lexile measures. Many publishers have analyzed their books to receive Lexile measures, and this information can often be found in the library catalogue system as well as on the book’s copyright page, spine, or back cover.

In addition, MetaMetrics has created a parent-friendly book-search engine, Find a Book, that allows parents to enter the child’s Lexile measure. The search engine will automatically compute the Lexile range and helps parents find books within their child’s Lexile range. Parents can also search for reading materials without a Lexile measure by entering the student’s grade, comfort level with reading, and child’s preference for topics and/or genres. A selection of books that fit these criteria will be generated. Then the parent can select those that interest the student and the finalized list can be saved to a file, emailed, or printed.

Remember a Lexile measure is a measure of text complexity only. It does not address the subject matter or text quality, age-appropriateness of the content, or a reader’s interests. The Lexile measure is one piece of information that you can use when selecting books.

  

Where can I find out more about Lexiles?

The Assessment and Accountability Division of the Georgia Department of Education has created a presentation on Lexiles. This document is linked on the right side of the page. 

Additional information provided by the Georgia Department of Education is available on GeorgiaStandards.org. 

MetaMetrics developed the Lexile® Framework and provides a wealth of information for teachers and families on Lexiles. Three documents, in particular, are helpful: Lexile Measures in the Home, Lexile Measures in the Classroom, and Lexile Measures in the Library. To find these family and educator guides and other helpful information, visit the MetaMetrics Lexile website at: www.lexile.com.  

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