Understanding Text Complexity

Understanding Text Complexity Common Core State Standards Kickoff Los Angeles County Office of Education October 21, 2011 Donna Van Allen

Session Goals • Understand Emphasis on Text Complexity in the CCSS • Define Text Complexity • Look at the Implications of Text Complexity on Teaching and Learning

Why Text Complexity Matters • ACT Reading Between the Lines, 2006

Change in text complexity in textbooks over the last century

Source: Metametrics

Today’s text gap

Source: Metametrics

Text Lexile® levels today and with Common Core Rigor Increased 2 Grade Levels Text Complexity Grade Band in the Standards

Old Lexile Ranges

Lexile Ranges Aligned to CCR Expectations

K-1

N/A

N/A

2-3

450-725

450-790

4-5

645-845

770-980

6-8

860-1010

955-1115

9-10

960-1115

1080-1305

11-12

1070-1220

1215-1355

Percentage distribution of literary and informational passages – Non Fiction is Key

Source: National Assessment Governing Board. Reading Framework for the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Washington, D.C.: American Institutes for Research, 2007.

Dr. Timothy Shanahan The Common Core State Standards Emphasis on Complex Text

http://youtu.be/b5-uhmwsD6Y

What are some of the challenges you will face in having students engaged in the use of more complex text?

What is Text Complexity?

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Dr. Timothy Shanahan The Common Core State Standards Complex Text and Its Implication in the Classroom

http://youtu.be/-dL1AuuE93M

What strategies do you or your teachers currently use that support students using more complex or difficult text?

What do Educators Need to Do? • Engage in Close Reading • Have students become Text Dependent at a deeper level. • Provide and scaffold Complex Text to all students • Fully Implement a Plan