Using Quantitative Measures of Text Complexity in Classroom Instruction: What’s Appropriate? What’s Not?

    Dr. Elfrieda H. Hiebert, TextProject, & University of California, Santa Cruz

    Of the three means for establishing text complexity suggested by Common Core State Standards writers, quantitative systems appear to be dominating views of text complexity. For example, it is the  only topic which has merited a supplement to the standards with validation claimed for additional quantitative systems and for widening grade bands on the staircase of text complexity.
    This webinar considers the research evidence for quantitative systems including (a) comparing and contrasting current systems with first-generation readability formulas, (b) reviewing the basis for the trajectory of the staircase of text complexity, and (c) examining efforts to integrate quantitative information with content analyses and the use of exemplars.

    For more information about Dr. Hiebert, please visit her about page on TextProject.