The article by Fry (2002) was very informative about leveling and readability. I did not know very much about either one, yet this article has furthered my knowledge and has better prepared me for the teaching world. As a future elementary teacher, I see the strengths of both leveling and readability, yet I feel leveling is an important and powerful tool for a teacher. Even though it is not as objective, a student's education often has to be personally tailored by the teacher. This correlates with the importance of reading teachers (Lose, 2007). Teachers have qualifications that allow them to make judgement calls that are in the best interest of the student. This may mean modifying a students reading material. It is also helpful to have readability as a check reference and for students who may not need individualized lesson plans. Readability should be used more in the upper levels because most students have conquered the basics of reading and are around the same level. Elementary is a time of development where each child is reading at different levels and needs books that are developmentally appropriate. The teacher may be the only one who can make that judgement call.
http://www.standards-schmandards.com/exhibits/rix/index.php
This website calculates readability!
In your classroom, do you plan to rely on leveling, readability, or both as a guide to providing appropriate reading materials to your students?
I thought the Lose article was very powerful. It is important that we as teachers have the knowledge that will help our children. If we are not on top of our game, how can we expect the children to be? We as educators need to know the best way to instruct our students. I do plan on using some form of leveling or readability in my classroom. I want to be ensured that each child is getting exactly what he or she needs.
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