Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White, and State Superintendent of Education Christopher A. Koch on May 14 encouraged all students across Illinois to access a free online tool designed to promote summer reading and keep students’ brains active before school resumes in the fall. State leaders agree that summer vacation should not signal a break from learning for Illinois’s 2 million students.
“By reading during summer months, students can build a strong bridge from one school year to the next,” Governor Quinn said. “This free online tool is a great way for children to spend time with their parents while sharpening reading skills and preparing for the year ahead.”
The online “Find a Book” utility at www.lexile.com/findabook provides a way for parents and children to quickly and easily search books that match a child’s reading level and interests as well as locate a local library carrying each title.
Research shows that struggling learners score significantly higher on standardized tests taken at the start of summer than they do on the same tests taken at summer’s end. This summer learning loss is particularly evident in reading and is most pronounced among students from low socioeconomic backgrounds who may not have access to books. Studies show children who read through the summer months retain more of their academic skills and are better prepared to learn at the start of the school year.
“Libraries in Illinois promote reading year round, and the ‘Find a Book’ search tool complements those efforts,” said Mr White, who serves as State Librarian. “I urge parents to read with their children every day to help them develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. When children begin reading on their own, they make gains in the classroom and open themselves to new and exciting worlds.”
The “Find a Book” utility uses a student’s reading score, reported as a Lexile measure, from state standardized tests, including the ISAT, to provide a Lexile range and corresponding list of texts within that range. If a student attempts to read material above his or her Lexile range, the text may challenge the student and his or her ability to construct meaning from the reading experience may decrease. Likewise, material below a reader’s Lexile range will provide him or her with little comprehension challenge.
The Lexile Framework was used in the development of the reading standards for the new Common Core State Standards, which schools across the state are in the process of implementing. The new standards replace the outdated Illinois State Learning Standards and ensure students leave high school ready for college and careers.
“Reading builds knowledge and is crucial to students’ long-term success,” Dr Koch said. “Good reading habits begin at home. Parents can help their children develop strong reading skills by using the ‘Find a Book’ site to find age-appropriate materials that will keep their students engaged and excited about learning.”
For more information, visit the state board’s website for “Find a Book,” here.
