Parent Guide – How to Interpret and Use Lexiles
Reading performance for kids is reported in different forms to parents and educators. The first time I saw a report showing a Lexile level, I immediately searched and asked myself what is a Lexile level in reading? I quickly learned that the use of lexile levels by grade is a common way of reporting reading performance.
I wrote this post to provide parents and new educators with a quick guide about Lexile levels. In this post, I also share how to interpret Lexile levels and what Lexile levels communicate about reading development.
Reading comprehension is the ultimate in reading development. Researchers and educators may not always agree about teaching reading, but we all aim for reading comprehension. Giving access to grade-level texts is one way to help students reach and develop reading comprehension.
Assessment Scores
Most reading assessments report student reading proficiency in Lexile levels. These reading assessments include MAP, Reading Inventory, STAR, and Annual State Assessments that measure and report on reading progress. A Lexile level is a score that allows educators to interpret a student’s reading level. Reading levels can range from a -0- for early readers to above 2000 for advanced readers.
A Lexile level is determined based on the vocabulary for reading texts or books. Developers also consider text complexity when assigning a Lexile level. Parents can find a book Lexile on the side and back cover of a cover.
Why are Lexile Levels Reported
These levels are reported to communicate the level of difficulty of a book. Educators use reported levels to categorize reading levels, interpret student performance, and plan instruction.
How to Find Your Child’s Lexile
Parents can find their student’s grade level scores by contacting their child’s teachers or school. You will also find your child’s level in a reading assessment report often shared during parent-teacher conferences or sent home. As a parent, you should also understand the importance of teaching kids to read using grade-level texts.
Parent-teacher conferences are a great time to discuss your child’s assessment results and Lexile levels by grade. In addition, teachers can provide your child’s Lexile level at any time.
How to Interpret Reports
A reading assessment report may look different depending on the assessment your child’s school and state use. You will find your child’s reading skills and Lexile level in any report. Some reports may indicate your child’s reading performance is well above or below grade level.
If the report does not provide additional information, you can use the below chart to interpret your child’s reading proficiency level. This does not mean you should have your child read books at their reading Lexile level. Reading development is best supported when kids are taught using books at a student’s grade level.
Beginning of Year (BOY) Scores
The Beginning of Year (BOY) chart shows the reading level for students at that particular grade level in the fall to be considered on grade level.
| Grade | BOY – Fall |
| K | 50th – 90th |
| 1 | BR345L – BR40L |
| 2 | 10L – 435L |
| 3 | 290L – 675L |
| 4 | 530L – 885L |
| 5 | 735L – 1060L |
| 6 | 900L – 1210L |
| 7 | 990L – 1300L |
| 8 | 1060L – 1375L |
| 9 | 1125L – 1435L |
| 10 | 1180L – 1495L |
| 11 | 1230L – 1545L |
| 12 | 1270L – 1590L |
Middle of Year (MOY) Scores
The Middle of Year (MOY) chart shows the reading level your child should reach in their particular grade level in the middle of the school year.
| Grade | MOY – Winter |
| K | 50th – 90th |
| 1 | BR250L – 55L |
| 2 | 85L – 505L |
| 3 | 355L – 735L |
| 4 | 590L – 935L |
| 5 | 790L – 1110L |
| 6 | 925L – 1235L |
| 7 | 1010L – 1320L |
| 8 | 1080L – 1390L |
| 9 | 1140L – 1455L |
| 10 | 1195L – 1505L |
| 11 | 1240L – 1555L |
| 12 | 1285L – 1600L |
End of Year (EOY) Scores
While the End of Year (EOY) chart shows the reading level, your child should reach their particular grade level at the end of the school year.
| Grade | EOY – Spring |
| K | 50th – 90th |
| 1 | BR160L – 150L |
| 2 | 165L – 570L |
| 3 | 425L – 795L |
| 4 | 645L – 985L |
| 5 | 850L – 1160L |
| 6 | 950L – 1260L |
| 7 | 1030L – 1340L |
| 8 | 1095L – 1410L |
| 9 | 1155L – 1470L |
| 10 | 1205L – 1520L |
| 11 | 1250L – 1570L |
| 12 | 1295L – 1610L |
Example:
A 1st grader with a Lexile level of 40 or below would be considered below grade level in reading at the beginning of the school year. However, that same grade level with a score of 148L ends the school year on grade level in reading.
When to Use Lexile Charts
Parents can use these charts to understand and verify their child’s reading level anytime during the year. You can also use the charts above to obtain and provide kids with appropriate grade-level books. Providing kids with the right grade-level books facilitates reading development.
I will caution that research about reading development indicates that kids should read books at their grade level. Lexile level charts should be used to ensure you are not providing your child with books well above their Lexile levels.
Try your local library or an online database to find reading materials. One reputable online database to use is Lexile Find a Book. In this online database, you can search books of different categories by grade level and Lexile.
Source: https://hub.lexile.com/lexile-grade-level-charts