Fine Point #5: Checking the Reading Level

You have to consider who is going to be reading your online documents as you write and edit them. The teacher page can be as complex as you need it to be, but the student pages need to reflect the reading levels of the target grade level.

Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators has a look at readability for different grade levels complete with a graph.

You don't want your students to get stuck on the directions, here are some tips to ensure understanding.

  1. Be direct and simple.
  2. Use vocabulary appropriate to the reading level.
  3. If necessary use an online dictionary to assist your student. (See Linking to Online Dictionaries)

This page was designed by Dan McDowell for the Triton and Patterns Projects of San Diego Unified School District. Last updated July 5, 1999.

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