[LIT] Reading Levels

[Lori Jackson]

There is and we're it.

Lori

Ginny White wrote:

> On Jul 1, 2006, at 10:54 AM, Lori Jackson wrote:
> > I think there is more to leveling books than numbers or letters or
> > syllables.  The issues raised in The Giver are profoundly provocative
> > and involve some very deep thinking. It is not just about words,but
> > about how they are woven together so that yes, the words themselves
> > may be simpler but the content,the issues and the kind of keep
> > thinking
> > this book deserves may not match the reading level as determined.
>
> I was just thinking of how to phrase a comment when I read what Lori
> wrote.  I totally agree.  I wrestle each year in trying to explain to
> parents that reading levels (we use AR) are deceptive when it comes to
> the thought/content level/meaning of a book.  I have also seen an
> author's eyes cringe when he saw the reading level assigned to his book
> (a rich and wonderful story), knowing the effects a 4.5 reading level
> can have when a middle school student (or his parent) is choosing a
> book.  There is no computer program that can match the judgment of a
> teacher who has read a book and knows the power of the discussion or
> the internal thinking it can evoke.  I surely wish there were a better
> system ...
>
> Ginny White
> Fernandina Beach Middle (FL)
>
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--

Lori Jackson
District Literacy Coach & Mentor
Todd County School District
Mission, South Dakota

2006 Literacies for All Summer Institute
Redefining Literacies: Expanding Our Vision of What is Possible
July 13-16, 2006
Charlotte, North Carolina