Select 1 textbook that your students are required to use. Complete the Fry Readability Chart and post the title of the textbook, readability level and whether this text is appropriate for the students. Share any supplemental materials that might be used.
Due Feb. 11th
Since I don't have access to a lot of required textbooks, I picked up an high school text called "Agriscience Fundamentals and Applications". I didn't find the Fry readability, but the Flesch Kincaid is available on microsoft word. This text had 20 words per sentence with a readability level of 11.0, which I though was pretty high. So often we have students with disabilities enroll in classes such as ag science because it should be more hands on, but at this level of readability, my student with a disability is probably not the only one struggling with the reading. Other students have just learned more coping skills?
ReplyDeleteI had to go to the internet to find the Fry readability formula. It’s been a long time since I calculated readability myself! I checked America Pathways to the Present. Prentice Hall 2003 Edition – the textbook juniors use for American History. I was shocked; college level reading was my calculated result. I thought I was wrong; checked three other passages and still came up with college level reading. I do believe the content is appropriate for juniors. Through lectures, classroom discussions, projects, group activities, and reading students can obtain the necessary information. The instructor for this class is excellent at finding video clips that illustrate the concept he is explaining. He makes history interesting and come alive!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add that I tried to logon and download the free software to generate the CLOZE test, but the website wouldn't load.
ReplyDeleteI chose the 8th grade Literature book by McDougal/Littell. The Fry readability was college level for this book. I was really surprised. The three passages I picked out were very different, but they ranged from 5 sentences to 10 sentences per passage. The teachers using this book appear to be reading it aloud in class. There is an audio with this series with has been used with some of the students.
ReplyDeleteI think that would be great information to share with the general education staff. I appreciate that teachers are trying to find ways to access the information other than reading a text that is in my opinion, out of line with the reading ability of many of their students. I think it brings back to light the struggle of continuing to teach high school student to read on grade level vs compensatory skills to gain the content.
ReplyDeleteI chose a Freshman Literature book Elements of Literature by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. I am very surprised but in checking several times and even asking the English teacher herself to check it is only a 3.4 level readabilty. WOW
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