Reading: How to Determine Grade Level of a Book

Schools now pay great attention to the readability of text and reading material in the classroom. As a new teacher a few years ago, I was confused when I was told to figure out the reading level of some of the older textbooks. They did not have a grade level anywhere in the text. In addition, we had some reading books and chapter books that were not listed in our schools library. most library's list the grade level of books in their library. I wish that I had known then when I now know. There are several methods to use when trying to determine the reading level of a book, whether a textbook or book for pleasure reading.

1) Fry Readability Formula. This method of finding the reading level of a book has to do with counting the number of syllable and sentences in a 200 word sample. The only catch is, you have to have a chart to compare your findings to standard levels for each grade. But the chart can simply be found by going to www.discoveryschool.com . Simply compare the number of syllable and sentences to the chart and you will have the reading level of the text.

2) Copy a portion of the material being read into Microsoft word. The Microsoft or works program has a built in grade reader. The program will automatically scan the passage and give you the reading level. This sometimes is the easiest method to use. I simply type about 100 words of a text. This does depend on expecting the writer to use the same reading level throughout the text. Word uses a formula called the Flesh-Kincaid Readability Formula.

3) If you get desperate and all other methods fail, or you don't have the time, a simple phone call to the publisher often works. I have used this with book companies such a Penguin Books and MacMillan. Simply ask if you can find the reading level of a book you have, and they will usually forward you to someone who can find that information on their company computers.

4) Spache Readability Formula. This formula has been around for a long time, and frankly is difficult to use. I also think it may be outdated. It take the average primary reading words and looks at sentence lengths in words and number of words. Most guidance counselors have the chart to compare grade levels to the number of words. It doesn't take into account that a lot of things have changed in education since the formula was created in 1953 We now require more of our young students. Pre K didn't exist, and Kindergartners definitely weren't reading in 1953. I would advise to skip this formula. But if you still want to use it, your school's guidance counselor can provide you with the formula and the charts.

5) Dale - Chall Readability Formula. This is based on the amount of words not found on the Dale List of Familiar Words. The formula was created in 1948 and again reading grade level standards have changed. Students are now required to know much more than was required in 1948. However, this formula is still widely used. The chart looks at the words in sample sentences in the reading material, and then suggests a 50 percent reading comprehension level. However educators know that 50 percent comprehension is not sufficient. Guidance counselors can provide teachers and parents with the chart to use this formula.

My favorite method to use and perhaps the easiest to copy a sample passage into Microsoft Works. It may take a bit of time on the teacher's part, but it will yield a reliable grade level based on a reliable reading formula. The benefit of this method is that parents can also use it at home.

Schools give students tests to determine their reading levels. most students bring these results home. So by using these formulas to determine the reading level of a text or book, you can assure that your student is challenged with their reading, but are also on a reading on or maybe slightly above their present reading level. Chances are, the student will be more likely to read if the text is one he is comfortable with.