What the heck? Levels?

I was talking with some great teachers today about their kids and reading.  Several grade levels were represented.  On my way home I thought about all the jargon we use as teachers.  We understand what we are talking about but when we convey that information to parents, many times as parents we have no idea.   We shake our heads in agreement, leave and think what the heck was she talking about?

Example of a Level A text

Today we were specifically talking about reading levels. Beginning as early as PreKindergarten, your child's teacher may tell you your child is on a level A or 1, or D etc.  Each grade level has a range of 'reading levels'.  Some schools use a letter system, A-T or so and some use a number system.  To determine the level teachers administer a running record.  All that is is marking the errors a child makes while reading.  It gives a little window into the thinking or processing your child does when reading.   These levels do not correspond to the level books you see in the stores, you know, I Can Read books or Step Up to Reading.

Example of a Level F text

Bottom line, at your parent conference ask to see the text of whatever level your child is on.  Ask to see an example of the text they should be reading at the end of the year.  If your child is having trouble reading, ask what is he/she doing while reading? What reading behaviors does he/she use?  What reading strategies are they working on?

You will get a better picture of  your child and you will look so smart to the teacher!