Return-Path: <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id i2N3S6I27167; Mon, 22 Mar 2004 22:28:07 -0500 (EST) Date: Mon, 22 Mar 2004 22:28:07 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <76ED7E43-7C4E-11D8-ADB1-00039381D39E@comcast.net> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: David Rosen <djrosen@comcast.net> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1189] Readability Formulas X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit X-Mailer: Apple Mail (2.552) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252; format=flowed Status: O Content-Length: 1014 Lines: 29 Please note: this message is posted for Sarah Beaman-Jones whose email was not cooperative today. Colleagues, Readability formulas work only to give you an indication of how easily something can be read. For example, the word “run” has many different meanings. To a toddler, it means moving fast; to a second grader it could mean going from base to base in a game; to a fifth grader it could mean seeking political office; then there is a run of luck, a run of business, etc. Formulas do not account for that. Further, there is the graphic element; the denseness of text compared to the amount of white space. The use of fonts: serif vs. san serif; capitalization and organization. As the late Jane Root use to explain, focus groups are really the only way to be sure you are communicating effectively. This is a complicated subject. Do not rely solely on readability formulas. Sarah Beaman-Jones, MAT Literacy Program Developer LIFT-Missouri 500 Northwest Plaza, suite 601 St. Ann, MO 63074
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