The variability of readability of basal reader textbooks and mow much teachers know about it
Lowell Eberwein · Literacy Research and Instruction · 1979
Investigates variability of three first through sixth grade basal readers using the Harris‐Jacobson Readability Formulas. Found the average textbook had a range of 4.65 levels. Average range by levels was 2.1 levels for pre‐primers to 7.6 levels for fourth, fifth, and sixth grade textbooks. The average readability levels remained the same with selected sequential textbooks in all three series. An equal thirds analysis of textbooks did not generally find textbooks become progressively more difficult from beginning to end. Teachers who use two textbooks were given information on the readability of the textbooks. The teachers: were surprised with the variations, found the variations more than expected, were concerned about the instructional implications, and would use the information if given by the publisher.