Common Core Georgia Performance

StandardsMaking Challenging Texts

Accessible, K-12 Part 2: Understanding the Complexity of Complex

TextCynde Snider

Essential Question

How can I be sure the texts I select are at an appropriate level of complexity for my students?

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Learning Target

I can use specific descriptors to determine whether a text is appropriately complex.

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What Makes a Text Complex1. Subtle and/or frequent transitions2. Multiple and/or subtle themes and purposes3. Density of information4. Unfamiliar settings, topics, or events5. Lack of repetition, overlap, or similarity in words and sentences6. Complex sentences7. Uncommon vocabulary8. Lack of words, sentences, or paragraphs that review or pull things

together for the student9. Longer paragraphs10. Any text structure that is less narrative and/or mixes structures11. Use of passive voice Source: Liben, D. (May 9, 2012).

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Determining Appropriately Complex Texts

• Number of possible combinations of 11 features—2036

• Text may lack complexity on a number of features, while the complexity of one or two features deems it appropriate for a specific grade band

• Determining appropriately complex texts provides powerful professional learning for grade band teachers

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Using Descriptors for Reliability & Validity

• Georgia’s Text Complexity Rubric—handout #1

• Qualitative Measures Rubrics—handout #2

• Qualitative Dimensions Tool—handout #3

Other resources: Handouts 4 and 5: Qualitative Features of Complex Texts and AUSSIE’s NYC DOE Text Complexity Rubrics

CCGPS Text Complexity Rubric

Text Complexity Rubric with Descriptors

Applying the Process1. Meet collaboratively with teacher peers

2. Randomly select passages from a text

3. Use text complexity descriptors to gauge level of complexity

4. Transfer information to CCGPS rubric

fromA Beginner’s Guide to Text ComplexityAUSSIE, NYCDOE Secondary Literacy Pilot

Learning Target

I can use specific descriptors to determine whether a text is appropriately complex.

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Essential Question

How can I be sure the texts I select are at an appropriate level of complexity for my students?

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Resources—Text ComplexityAUSSIE. A beginner’s guide to text complexity. NYCDOE Secondary Literacy Project.

Liben, D. (May 9, 2012). Transitioning to the Common Core State Standards: Making your efforts effective through a focus on text complexity demands. ASCD: Webinar. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/commoncorewebinars.

Text complexity. Common Core State Standards Initiative. Retrieved from http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards/english-language-arts-standards/standard-10-range-quality-and-complexity/measuring-text-complexity-three-factors/.

Shanahan, T., Fisher, D., & Frey, N. (March, 2012). “The challenge of challenging text.” Educational Leadership Vol. 69, No. 6, pp. 58-62. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/ educational-leadership/mar12/vol69/num06/The-Challenge-of-Challenging-Text.aspx?utm_source=ascdexpress&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=express721

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Cynde SniderGeorgia Department of Education

csnider@doe.k1.ga.us404-657-9971

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