ILA Newsletter Weekly Project: Effective Literacy Website #4

 

Balmeo, Shirley

ED 638

ReadTheory Login/account set-up information:  https://youtu.be/FroS95h3zGI

ReadTheory  - https://readtheory.org/

ReadTheory is a free online supplemental reading instruction for all grades and reading levels.  This web application is used by over 10 million registered users, in over 175 countries as a supplemental reading tool for students.  Aligned with the Common Core State Standards, the passages are engaging and enjoyable and provide excellent practice for literacy. 

One of the standard features included is that students are able to monitor their grade level equivalency with each passage and respond appropriately to their results.  It is a self-paced practice in comprehension, allowing students to read narrative, informative, or informational literary passages and answer corresponding comprehension questions.  This tracks student performance and reports student progress to teachers immediately.

It all starts out with students logging in for the first time.  They will then take a placement pretest.  The test, by default, begins at a third grade level. If, however, the test is too difficult, it will immediately adjust to first and second grade material and if it is too easy, the pretest will progressively move up to grade levels.  Students will continually move within a range of levels, so they will be consistently challenged. This provides for maximum differentiation and individualized learning for all students.

In summary, ReadTheory is a great site for literacy educators. The site provides the baseline data to determine students’ reading levels as well as provides the needed practice tools to master a specific reading skill or standard. Teachers in other areas may find it useful as well.  Lesson plans are also available on the site with printable resource materials.  In short, it is worth a look and perhaps, a trial use.