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?
10
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