2024 ALTA National Conference: Dr. Jan Hasbrouck. "Is She on Grade Level? "

Josh Morgan
May 15, 2024
2 min read

Rethinking Reading Levels: Insights from Jan Hasbrouck's Session at the 2024 ALTA Conference

Jan Hasbrouck, Ph.D., stirred a conversation at the 2024 ALTA Conference with her radical proposal to reconsider how educators approach reading levels. In her session titled "Is She on Grade Level? Taking Another Look at How We Talk About Reading Levels," Hasbrouck delved into the complexities of reading acquisition and proposed alternative frameworks for assessing and addressing student literacy needs.

The Landscape of Reading Levels

Hasbrouck started by examining the myriad reading level systems commonly used in education, from grade levels to various standardized measures like Fountas and Pinnell, Lexile Levels, and others. She questioned the precision and efficacy of these systems, highlighting their limitations in accurately gauging student proficiency and guiding instructional practices.

The Purpose of Reading Levels

Addressing the purpose of reading levels, Hasbrouck outlined four key functions: communication with colleagues, parents, and students; placement in instructional materials; tracking student progress over time; and evaluating program effectiveness. However, she emphasized the need for a more nuanced understanding of reading that goes beyond simplistic level assignments.

Understanding Reading

Drawing from research by Hasbrouck and Glaser, she emphasized the complexity of reading as a task that involves interconnected linguistic processes. This view aligns with the Simple View of Reading, which posits that reading comprehension is the product of language comprehension and word recognition.

A Shift in Perspective

Hasbrouck challenged educators to move away from a fixation on precise reading levels and instead focus on understanding students' developmental stages and instructional needs. She advocated for a holistic approach that considers the acquisition and fluency of foundational skills like phonological awareness, decoding, and sight word recognition.

Alternative Approaches

Proposing alternatives to traditional reading level discussions, Hasbrouck suggested focusing on skill development and instructional alignment. Educators should communicate where students are in their foundational skill development, their current skill levels based on assessment results, and the tailored instruction or intervention being provided.

Implications for Educators

Hasbrouck's session prompts educators to critically reflect on their practices and priorities in literacy instruction. By prioritizing skill development, aligning instruction with assessment data, and providing differentiated support, educators can better meet the diverse needs of their students and foster meaningful reading growth.

Conclusion

Jan Hasbrouck's session at the 2024 ALTA Conference challenges educators to rethink how they approach reading levels and student literacy. By shifting the focus from level assignments to skill development and instructional alignment, educators can create more effective and equitable learning experiences for all students. As the conversation continues, educators are encouraged to explore alternative frameworks that prioritize individualized support and holistic literacy development.

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