Decoding Text Complexity for Short Stories & Fiction

Figuring out whether a short story is of the "correct" level based on common core is tricky. There are a number of factors that come in to play and it can be confusing for teachers. This article from the Ohio Resource Center breaks down understanding text complexity and how you can choose fiction for your classes.

"Listen in on any group of English language arts teachers preparing plans for common core implementation,and you are bound to hear the terms rigor, grade-level texts, and text complexity. Venture to conversations with groups more well versed in common core lingo, and you may even hear references to quantitative measures, qualitative measures, and reader considerations. As we work to implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), we know some texts that have been held as traditional in specific grade levels may have to move to other grade levels to meet complexity guidelines. If you, like so many other educators, find yourself struggling with the idea of relinquishing your Hunger Games unit to teachers well below your high school grade level, perhaps a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding text complexity will help ease your mind and aid in the process of letting go of those cherished, but not-quite-rigorous-enough, texts."

Read more in this issue of Adolescent Literacy in Perspective. 

If you're looking for ready-to-use books that have already gone through the process of vetting reading passages and have a detailed breakdown of Lexile® Levels and an analysis of qualitative and quantitative measures, check out:

Prestwick House's Reading Informational Texts

and the new Reading Literary Texts, which will be available this summer.

Also, check out the new Prestwickhouse.com -- we've added the Lexile® Measures to hundreds of different paperbacks to make it easier for you to find the perfect book.