Quick reference chart for converting leveling systems such as Lexile and Flesch-Kincaid into CCR grade bands.
Selecting Grade Level Text
To choose texts that are on grade level for the CCSS and other college- and career-ready standards, use three steps:
1. Use quantitative measures to assign a text to a grade band.
2. Use qualitative measures to locate a text within a specific grade band.
3. Use professional judgment to decide how suited a text is for a specific instructional purpose with a particular set of students.
Quantitative Tools to Measure Text Complexity: To decide if a text is on grade level for college- and career-ready standards, including the Common Core, start here. These tools quickly identify the grade band for a text.
Qualitative Tools to Measure Text Complexity: After identifying the grade band for a text, use these tools to determine its specific grade level and what features will make it challenging for students.
Use these qualitative tools for evaluating the complexity of nonfiction and fiction.
Qualitative Dimensions of Text Complexity Chart: Scales for evaluating the qualitative features of text complexity:
- Text structure
- Language clarity and conventions
- Knowledge demands
- Levels of meaning/purpose
Example of completed qualitative scale for the 9-10 band.
Detailed explanation of qualitative features; to be consulted in filling out the qualitative scale.
- Analysis of Text for Complexity
Complete the activity for Core Action 1 to learn more about Text Complexity.