Level Correlation Chart

Approximate Correlations to Popular Leveling Systems

Most leveling systems look at different criteria when assessing a book's level, which makes precise correlations difficult. Use this chart to see how Learning A-Z levels approximately correlate to other popular systems used for small group instruction and/or guided reading. The Learning A-Z Text Leveling System in English and Spanish looks at over twenty quantitative (objective) and qualitative (subjective) leveling criteria to measure text complexity. Teachers should use their professional judgment along with reader and task considerations to determine if an individual book at a given level is appropriate for a student.

Criteria for Leveling Reading A-Z Books

  • Word count
  • Number of different words
  • Ratio of different words to total words
  • Number of high-frequency words
  • Ratio of high-frequency words to total words
  • Number of low-frequency words to total words
  • Ratio of low-frequency words to total words
  • Sentence length
  • Sentence complexity
  • Text Predictability
  • Text Structure and organization
  • Logical nature of organization
  • Text and feature distractions
  • Infographic complexity and text reliance
  • Labeling and reader supports
  • Language pattern and repetition
  • Print size, spacing, and number of words per page
  • Illustration support
  • Concept load
  • Topic familiarity
  • Themes
  • Intertextual dependence

More about the Text Leveling System