A Conversion Chart For Reading Level Measurement Tools

A Conversion Chart For Reading Level Measurement Tools

by TeachThought Staff

If you’ve used AR (Accelerated Reader) as a reading motivation tool to set goals and track progress, you’re undoubtedly aware of its ability to assess general reading levels as well.

The problem is, measuring reading level is really outside of its sweet spot as a literacy tool, with better resources available from DRA, DIBELS, Lexile, Reading Recovery, and Rigby, among others. There is also the issue of availability, with most schools only using one or two of these tools, primarily in early elementary school. But what happens if you need to convert a general level from one program to another?

1. Lexile Framework for Reading

Lexile.com

The Lexile Framework is the most commonly used tool in U.S. schools. It measures both text complexity and a student’s reading ability on the same scale.

Pros: Integrated into many platforms (e.g., MAP Growth, Achieve3000), easy to match books to student level

Cons: Doesn’t account for background knowledge or interest

Best for: Grades 2+, especially when used with adaptive assessments

2. Fountas & Pinnell (F&P)

Heinemann.com

This A–Z guided reading system uses teacher observation and running records.

Pros: Rich qualitative insight, great for small groups

Cons: Time-consuming and somewhat subjective

Best for: K–5 guided reading programs

3. DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)

Pearson Assessments

DRA provides a reading level based on fluency, accuracy, and comprehension.

Pros: Thorough snapshots of reading behaviors

Cons: Requires individual testing time

Best for: K–3 diagnostic use

4. STAR Reading

Renaissance Learning: A computer-adaptive test that quickly identifies a student’s reading level and ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development).

Pros: Fast, scalable, data-rich

Cons: Less diagnostic depth

Best for: Benchmarking and screening in grades 2–12

5. i-Ready Reading Diagnostic

i-Ready.com: This adaptive test provides personalized insight into student reading ability and links directly to instructional content.

Pros: Detailed reports, integrated curriculum

Cons: Proprietary system; requires full buy-in

Best for: Schools using i-Ready across subjects

6. Reading A–Z and Raz-Kids

Reading A–Z | Raz-Kids

These programs assign students leveled readers and allow for ongoing reading assessment.

Pros: Huge digital library, built-in quizzes

Cons: Leveling doesn’t always align with other systems

Best for: Daily reading practice and progress monitoring (Grades K–5)

7. Informal Reading Inventories (IRIs)

Varies by publisher—examples include Qualitative Reading Inventory and Basic Reading Inventory

Pros: Teacher-led, provides rich insight

Cons: Not standardized, takes time

Best for: Individual diagnosis and conference-based instruction

A Conversion Chart For Reading Level Measurement Tools

A Conversion Chart For Reading Level Measurement Tools