Foundations Newsletter

ReadTheory.org

For those of you who missed our presentation at the Foundation Conference in Sharjah, here are some details about an excellent reading resource. ReadTheory is free and extremely user friendly resource.  There is no limit as to how many class rosters a teacher account can set up, and there’s no limit as to how many students can be on each roster. All students move within a range of reading levels at all times so that they are continually challenged. Research shows significant progress in test scores and confidence of students who use ReadTheory on a daily basis. In my experience, students are motivated by charts and progress reports. Students are not overwhelmed by incomprehensible text because the passages are at the level of their Zone of Proximal Development.

When students log on for the first time, they do the pretest. Passages start on a third grade level by default. If that material is too difficult, the pretest will immediately adjust to show first and second grade material instead. Each time a student passes a full quiz (scores between 70% and 89%), the student remains at the same level. If the student performs outstandingly on the quiz (scores 90% or more), the student’s level increases. Similarly, if it’s too easy, the pretest will progressively move up to grades four, five, and beyond.

ReadTheory is an excellent tool that makes differentiation in class effortless. While using ReadTheory in class, there are many teachable moments where teachers can teach students to utilize reading strategies, review mistakes or apply intervention strategies.  Here is some feedback from teachers who are using ReadTheory with Foundation classes.

“ReadTheory has been a valuable resource in the classroom for several reason. The biggest bonus of using this program has been that it allows students’ access to level appropriate reading materials that are completely accessible at all times.” Paula

“ReadTheory provides a wider range of genres (than graded readers) and matched typical General English topics encountered in language courses and exams.”  Brigid

“I give the students 15 minutes of ReadTheory at the beginning of the first class of the day – it’s just not negotiable.  There is usually total silence, and it’s great to know that the students are all automatically getting the level of text and questions they need to develop their skills. The feedback system gives a great insight into each student’s reading ability, effort and progress.  The tracking also lets students know that they are being monitored, and that slacking off isn’t an option!”  David

How to set up ReadTheory

1.  In your browser type ReadTheory.  Select “Sign Up”
2. Fill in information and choose a password. Now you are ready to log in and start building your classes. Create new class by clicking on + icon.

3.  Then add students by clicking on “Add Students” If you have students from a previous class you can invite existing students.

4.  Add students’ names and give username and password (your class code) and they
log in and start reading.