HIT: reading level responses

[Harry Willems <harryw@MIDUSA.NET>]

Here are the responses to my request for a reading level utility:



From: koneal@en.com (Kathryn O'Neal)
Subject: Re: GEN:  Reading level utility


Harry:  I stumbled by chance on this gem:  The Follett Library Resources
"1990-1999 Book Catalog Grades K-8" lists specific reading levels for
nearly all the thousands of books listed in its 1200 pages.  Mine came in
the mail, unsolicited.  If you didn't get one this year, call 800.435.6170
or email CUSTSERV@FLR.FOLLETT.COM or see the website at
www.flr.follett.com.
------------------------------
From: "Gayle Hodur" <ghodur@redshift.com>
To: Harry Willems <harryw@midusa.net>

Harry, depends on how accurate one cares about being! If she wants to go for
quick and dirty, she could just use the reading levels provided in vendor
catalogs or in their searchable CD-ROM catalogs. I think these are rather
suspect because they are out to sell books, but it is a general indication
of the reading level. You could also go by lists from Accelerated Reader or
Electronic Bookshelf. Their title lists should give the reading level.
-----------------------------
From: Carl Harvey <charvey@warrior.warren.k12.in.us>
Subject: Reading Levels

I don't know who comes up with it, but if you use Follett Library Resources
Titlewave database, it included a reading level for most books.  I use the
CD or Internet Version to order new books (or replace old ones) and
sometime have used the reading level to determine to buy it.  I don't know
if it would help, but it might at least get a few of the titles for you.

Carl
------------------------------

Was this librarian going to try to mark the outside of the books with a
reading level?  I was taught in library school that "labeling" books in
that manner is frowned upon as it puts a stigma on older kids who may not
want to be observed picking up an "easy" book more suitable to their
reading level.  It also may discourage kids from picking up a harder book
that they might succeed in reading if they tried.

Anyway, if that is the intent, please let this librarian pass on to her
principal that this is not a good idea.  The same thing can be accomplished
by preparing bibliographies or using the on-line catalog.  I know most of
the MARC records I get from Follett have a reading level on them.

Cheryl King, Librarian, Agana Heights Elementary, Box DE, Agana, Guam 96910
FAX:     (h.) 671-563-1091       Phone:(h.) 671-563-1073   (w.) 671-477-3550
E-Mail:  Cheryl.King@KUENTOS.GUAM.NET
-----------------------------------

What about the CD-Rom products from companies like Follett (sp?)??  Their
product is called Tidalwave (I think - I am at home and it is at school).
Doesn't Econoclad also have a CD-Rom?  I know Baker & Taylor's CD-Rom,
called Top Cats, doesn't have reading levels.

You search these CD-Roms by title or author usually.  When you find the
title you need and look at the record the company has created to tell you
about that book, a reading level is part of that information.

You don't have to type in or count words or any of that stuff.

Please be aware that every CD doesn't give the same reading level.

If you want more info, please email me back.  I'll look at school and then I
can be more specific.

/   /   /  /  /   /   /   /   /   /   /  /   /   /   /   /  /   /   /   /
/
Judy Simms                              judy.simms@micro.com
Library Media Specialist
Prairie Star Middle School              Blue Valley Schools "growing with pride"
--------------------------------------

Harry, For books that are really lower level books, our Standard
Catalogs note reading levels for  the Children's Catalog (elementary)
and Junior High and Middle School Catalog  The Senior High School
Catalog doesn't have reading levels. Unfortunately, the Catalogs are
not yet available in electronic formats, so she would have to use the
printed editions.

Dan Robinson
Indexing Services
H.W. Wilson Company
Bronx, NY
drobinson@hwwilson.com

------------------------------

From: "Sandy Scroggs" <sandyscr@tenet.edu>
To: "Harry Willems" <harryw@MIDUSA.NET>
Subject: Re:      GEN:  Reading level utility
Date: Fri, 30 Oct 1998 17:08:07 -0600
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.3110.1
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If you check the database for Accelerated Reader books you will see reading
levels.  I think anyone can check by title on the web .



Harry Willems                   http://www.sekls.lib.ks.us/staff/willems
Consultant, Assistant Dir.
Southeast Kansas Library System
Iola, KS  66749         Fax: 316.365.5137       Vox: 316.365.5136

A learned blockhead is a greater blockhead than an ignorant one.
                                                --Benjamin Franklin



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