This literature review documents the state-of-the-art of readability assessment and indicates directions for future research in readability measurement. The period since 1953 is emphasized, although there is some consideration of earlier work. Primary emphasis within the review is based on readability measurement; however, a final section is…

Two readability formulas were applied to two math and two reading series textbooks at the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade levels to see whether the publishers' suggested reading levels were accurate. Five samples were taken from each text and compared to the publishers' suggested usage according to grade level. Results showed that although formulas…

Offers step-by-step instructions for rewriting reading material which is too difficult for secondary students who are reading at a second or third grade level. (JM)

Reports the findings of a study of the validity of six common assumptions concerning the readability of basal readers. Concludes that if teachers had access to reasonably complete information about the readability properties of basal readers and workbooks, improved reading instruction would result. (JM)

This report describes how to apply techniques that have been used in measuring the readability/comprehensibility and reading level of textural materials. A review of available readability/comprehensibility measurement techniques and of previous experimental studies into methods for developing such techniques is presented. As a result of this…

The six tables presented in this paper were prepared in the belief that more educators would use the Harris-Jacobson Readability Formulas if the operations employed in those formulas to determine the estimated readability level of materials could be completed more quickly and with fewer calculations. Instructions for using the tables are included.…

Cites studies in which the reading level of workbooks designed to accompany basal readers has been found to be several years higher than the reading level of the basal text. (MKM)

To determine whether experienced reading teachers are better able than individuals with little training and teaching experience to make judgments about the difficulty level of learning materials and to discover if they differ in evaluating criteria for making such judgments, a study was conducted involving 100 subjects. The subjects were placed…

Investigates the vocabulary and readability of 50 commonly used application forms. Lists the 100 most frequently used words on those forms and suggests that this list be a beginning point in reading instruction. (FL)

This pamphlet is intended for teachers and other people concerned with the teaching of reading. The sections of the pamphlet include: "Individual Differences," which looks at how schools have tried to meet the problem of individual differences; "Working with Individual Difference," which discusses what an individual brings with him to the…

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference in the readability of three collections of reading textbooks adopted for use in California for four student groups--culturally disadvantaged, slow, average, and fast. The Botel readability formula was applied to nine, 100-word samples taken from a total of twenty-four…