[NIFL-HEALTH:3467] Re: Readability formulas and evaluation

From: Christina Zarcadoolas (Christina_Zarcadoolas@brown.edu)
Date: Mon Nov 19 2001 - 10:40:49 EST


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From: Christina Zarcadoolas <Christina_Zarcadoolas@brown.edu>
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Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3467] Re: Readability formulas and evaluation
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At 10:26 AM 11/19/01 -0500, you wrote:


Regarding the question about compiling a list of low lit materials where 
the creator of the list is not evaluating the readability of each piece, 
I'd create an inventory or audit sheet that each author must include with 
each piece.  Perhaps the following could be included:

Has the materials been tested with low literate readers?  How ( in depth 
reader interviews, focus groups, etc. ) What were the results?

In how many languages was the material tested?

What grade level on conventional reading scores does the material test out at?

THEN I'd include a required description of what other language and writing 
tools have been used by the authors to tailor to low lit readers.  I'd have 
them describe in detail what characterizes the language of the piece or I'd 
create another audit sheet with elements such as:
Does the piece have strategic repetition?
Are all difficult words explained on the page?
How have complex sentences been unpacked?
Is there adequate cohesion between and across sentences?
How does the layout reinforce it's readability?
How do graphics reinforce the print?
Is the piece culturally appropriate for low lit users in XXXlanguage?

These are just a few things a compiler can ask authors to do to bolster 
their claims that the text is actually suitable for low literate audiences.

Just some thoughts.

Christina



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