According to Kathryn Glasswell and Michael P. Ford (2010) leveling systems—Reading Recovery, Benchmark texts, Lexiles—may vary in terms of number of levels and discrimination among them, at the core they all attempt to classify texts in terms of their perceived difficulty for …show more content…
If we adopt a leveled reading program, we will be able to teach students at and above their reading level. We will be able to better utilize small group instruction, to not just a skills group for the low group, but a guided reading group because we will have readers at their level. The utilization of guided reading with our leveled readers would will push our readers a little above their reading level, which will expose them to texts that are more complex. Leveling systems (e.g. Fountas & Pinnell, 2006) grew out of a need to address concerns about the overuse of whole-group instruction and more traditional ability-based small groups. Grouping arrangements became a feature of classroom and academic discussions as it became apparent that many young readers, especially those who needed our help the most, where spending very little time actually reading (Allington, 1983). If we actually put forth the effort to create like-ability groups, we will be able to focus on reading, not just skills. Although skills groups are important, being