A system employing qualitative measures, such as analysis of character development and plot, combined with quantitative measures like word count and sentence length, helps educators and parents match readers with appropriate texts. For example, a book assessed at a 24 would be considered suitable for a student reading at a fourth-grade level. These leveled resources often include corresponding numeric values and/or letter designations, which facilitate quick identification of a book’s complexity.
This framework provides valuable support for differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to tailor reading materials to individual student needs and monitor progress. By aligning texts with reading abilities, this approach promotes reading comprehension, fluency, and enjoyment. Developed decades ago to address the growing need for accurate reading assessment, this system continues to be a widely used tool for educators dedicated to fostering literacy development.