Readability
“As a teacher, I am always looking for ways to personalize the learning experience for my students. I have seen firsthand that tuned text improves their comprehension.”
Read More Effectively
Technology provides an opportunity for personalized learning, which moves from a single approach to one more tailored for the student. Whether a child learning to read, or a college student reading to learn, technologies that enable a reader to personalize their text format can instantly improve their speed, accuracy, and comprehension. Applying technology in new ways can make students of all ages the best readers they can be and enhance their learning.
While personalized text formats do not replace the need for good reading instruction, they can help poor readers become successful readers. Reading proficiency has a significant impact on educational trajectory. When children acquire strong reading skills, they are likely to be more engaged in learning. Better readers are more confident and have more educational, career, and life opportunities.
The Nation’s Report Card
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), measures reading levels for a sample of students nationwide. Experts consider the test highly reliable. Recent results (4th, 8th, and 12th grades) show that since 1998 reading scores remain relatively flat with just over one-third of students reading at a level the NAEP defines as “proficient.” More here…
The Shocking Reality
- Relative reading ability is unlikely to change after the 4th grade
- 64% of 8th grade students are unable to read proficiently
- Poor readers in 8th grade remain poor readers in 12th and throughout life
- Reading scores remain relatively flat in the US
Readability Matters graph – NAEP data, 2017 and 2019.
US National Center for
Education Statistics
Adult Learning
A new study by Gallup on behalf of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy finds that low levels of adult literacy could be costing the U.S. as much $2.2 trillion a year. Read more: The Cost of Low Adult Literacy
According to the U.S. Department of Education, 54% of U.S. adults 16-74 years old, about 130 million people, read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level. Low literacy is correlated with several important outcomes such as personal income, employment levels, health, and overall economic potential.
With the critical and growing importance of adult and continuing education in the United States, it is essential to find ways to enhance learning. Reading formats can be personalized so that adult learners can be the best reader they can be.
Learn More
Readability Matters’ Proof of Concept Paper, Adobe Tech Proof of Concept II
Review the Readability Features available today, Readability Hacks
Readability Matters for College and University Learners
University Readability College Lesson Plans (coming soon)
Increase Readability, Reduce Cognitive Load
Fluency: The Canary in the Reading Coal Mine
Dr. Timothy Shanahan on Speed as a Measure of Proficient Reading
Two-Part Readability Article from the EdTech Center @ World Education:
Readability Features & Technology for Better Reading (Part I)
Readability Features & Technology for Better Reading (Part II)
