One of the keys to reading achievement is assessing each student’s reading level and matching them to books they can read.

 

A READING PROGRAM WHERE "READING COUNTS" 

 

In addition to the multiple reading tests your child completes throughout the year, Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) is a computer-based test that accurately measures your child’s current reading ability.  After taking the SRI, a special number called a Lexile measure (reading level) is generated.  For third grade, your child should be reading between 500-800 Lexiles. 

 

More than 20,000 best-loved books (k-12) also have Lexile measures, many of which match your child’s measure.  With the results from the SRI Interactive test, your child’s Lexile measure can be matched to books that your child can read successfully, without being frustrated or bored.  Targeting children to books helps them become better readers and develop a love for reading!

 

Although Plaza Vista’ library has a wide collection of books, it is suggested that you and your child also select books from: 1) the public library, 2) retail stores such as Barnes & Noble, and/or 3) the monthly book orders. 

 

Please remember your child is NOT limited to reading books only at his/her Lexile range and reading level. However, these books are specifically targeted to your child’s ability level to help better ensure “independent reading” success and reading growth.   

 

 

ACCESSING YOUR CHILD'S LEXILE LIST FROM HOME

 

In your child's Reading Folder,  you will find your child’s most recent Lexile (reading comprehension) score. However, it’s important to look not only at the most recent SRI score but at all the scores over time to evaluate an overall Lexile score. Your child will be tested several times throughout the year. A Lexile score between 500-800 indicates being at third grade-level. 

 

In order to continue developing a comprehensive vocabulary and increased reading comprehension, it is important that your child continue to read books that are within his/her Lexile range. 

 

You are now able to access Plaza Vista’s database of Reading Counts quizzes that are available for your child to take at school.  Please print out this list at home right away and take it to the local public library and/or retail book stores when getting books.  This will help ensure that your child is reading books within his/her comprehension ability. 

 

Here are the steps for accessing this information:

 

1. Go to www.plazavista.org
2. Click on “Reading Counts”
3. Set your child’s Lexile range from the recent SRI score given (50 points above and below are recommended)
4. Set Reading Level Range (3.0 to 4.5 is recommended)
5. Change # of Records to print on page if you want more than 10 titles on a page (optional)
6. Press Go!

 

If your child’s Lexile is reading below 500, please set the Reading Level from 2.5 to 3.0.  If your child’s Lexile level is above 800, any books above 800 and above are acceptable to be read and Reading Level could be set from 3.0 to 5.0. However, in the first quarter of third grade I prefer children to read only between the 500-800 Lexile range and not above.