Describes study that was conducted to assess the readability of reference books recommended for use with children. Children's encyclopedias, adult encyclopedias, and subject reference books are analyzed, and linguistic analysis summarized in a reading formula and propositional analysis are used to measure idea density level. (50 references) (LRW)

Issues pertaining to language and reading while developing and adapting tests are examined. Strengths and limitations associated with the use of readability formulas are discussed. Their use should be confined to paragraphs and longer passages, not items. Readability methods that consider both quantitative and qualitative variables and are…

The development of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test involves input from educators across the state. The development process attempts to create an assessment that reflects the skills and content understanding of students at the tested grade level. This study attempts to determine other factors that can affect student performance on…

Examines the procedure for applying the Fog, Flesch, and Fry readability formulas to the Internal, Powerful Others, and Chance Scales and for modifying the instrument for use with adult basic education (ABE) students. (Author/CH)

Reports that the Fry readability graph can be adapted to measure Spanish readability at the primary level. (DD)

Discusses a method for accurately assessing the internal variations in the readability of a book. (TJ)

Objectives: We compared two non-alternative methods to assess the readability and learning of easy-to-read educational health materials co-written by physicians, educators and citizens. Methods: Data from seven easy-to-read materials were analyzed. Readability formulae, and ad hoc data on readability and learning were also computed. Results: The…

This paper describes the Harris-Jacobson Readability Formula A, a revision of a readability formula based on word lists from "Basic Elementary Reading Vocabularies." Section one of the paper discusses procedures for using the formula, including the selection of samples, scoring the variables, and applying the formula. The next section…

Used readability formulas to calculate the difficulty level of randomly selected passages from 16 parent education publications. Reading levels varied by three or four grades in 15 of the 16 publications. At least high school level reading ability would be required to comprehend 10 of the publications. (Author/NRB)

Readability formulas may detract from textbook quality. They overlook text and reader characteristics that affect comprehension. Moreover, average "readability levels" ignore wide variations within texts and between scales. The shortened sentences and simplified vocabulary used to conform texts to formulas sacrifice precision and connectedness,…

Suggests readability formulas might have some worth even though they do not take into account all the aspects of the child's oral language skills. (MM)

A recently developed readability formula which requires little time and few mathematical computations is explained. (Editor)

The author demonstrates the simplicity in using the Readability graph, and illustrates her comments with specific examples. (Editor)

Describes a research study on the impact of readability of an annual report on the stockholders. Results of the study are presented along with implications for business teachers. Also examines the effectiveness of readability formulas. (CT)