[NIFL-HEALTH:4529] Re: Lexiles and Readability Tests

From: lib_literacycntr (lib_literacycntr@dawsoncollege.qc.ca)
Date: Thu Aug 26 2004 - 15:57:00 EDT


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Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:4529] Re: Lexiles and Readability Tests
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Hello Chris et al., 

I'm afraid I can't comment on The Lexile Framework, but, having read others' 
responses, thought I'd mention the SAM (Suitability Assessment of Materials) 
checklist. It's described in Chapter 4 of: 

Doak, C., Doak, L. & Root, J. (1996). Teaching patients with low literacy 
skills, 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: J.B. Lippincott Company.  

As everyone else has pointed out, using the SAM checklist won't eliminate the 
need to field-test materials with clients, but it does draw attention to text 
& layout features (including 'readability' scores) that influence the 
clarity/accessibility of a piece of text. 

Hope this helps. 

Claire Elliott
Librarian
The Centre for Literacy of Quebec
(514) 931-8731 ext. 1415




 

 

On Fri, 20 Aug 2004 22:20:31 -0400 (EDT), Chris Flood wrote
> Hello Fellow List Serv Members:
> 
> I am seeking information on The Lexile Framework. In particular, I would
> like to know if you can use this method to test the readability of
> short, written health-related pieces e.g. brochures or fact sheets. I
> have been using the FRY for years but would like to know more about
> Lexiles and how it compares to some of the other, more commonly used
> methods e.g .FRY. SMOG, Flesh Ease, etc.
> 
> Can you help me?  Any information would be appreciated as I know nothing
> about this method and would like to know more. In addition, can you tell
> me what readability test is now considered the gold standard for testing
> health education materials for persons with low literacy and low health
> literacy skills?
> 
> Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.
> 
> Chris Flood, Program Leader
> Michigan State University Extension
> 210 Michigan Avenue
> South Haven, MI  49090
> Phone:  (269) 639-0002
> Email:  floodc@msue.msu.edu
> Bringing Knowledge to Life!
>  
> "The first wealth is health."  Ralph Waldo Emerson


--
Dawson College



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