November 1, 2024 | Ian Hatcher
Supporting Every Student: Introducing Our Adaptive Reading Level Feature
We’re excited to announce the launch of our Adaptive Reading Level feature, designed to address one of the most pressing challenges in education: reading comprehension.
Why Adaptive Reading Matters
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing struggles in reading comprehension, leaving many students unable to read at their grade level. National statistics highlight this reality—according to the 2022 NAEP Report Card, 30% of 8th graders are reading below the NAEP Basic level. With literacy being a cornerstone for success in all subjects, and after hearing from many partners, we knew we had to create a solution that adapts to students’ needs.
That’s why we developed the Adaptive Reading Level feature, making content more accessible to students who require additional reading support.
How It Works: Simplifying Text to Drive Understanding
This new feature allows educators to adjust the reading level of our content on a per-student, per-class basis. Educators can switch between two options:
- Standard: Content is presented at the current default level.
- Simplified: Content is presented at a lower reading level, making it more digestible for students who struggle with reading comprehension.
The transition is seamless for students—while the reading level is adapted to suit their needs, the content remains engaging and relevant. The best part? Students have no indication of these adjustments, ensuring a confidence-boosting experience without stigmatization.
How We Use AI to Personalize Learning
This is more than just a new feature; it’s our first significant step in leveraging AI to enhance content accessibility for students. By integrating advanced AI technology, we can simplify complex text while preserving the core message and intent of the content.
This approach ensures that students receive information at a Lexile level suited to their needs, making it easier for them to understand and engage with the material. It’s an exciting innovation that reflects our commitment to creating meaningful educational experiences tailored to each learner.
A New Level of Empowerment for Teachers
The Adaptive Reading Level feature is intuitive and easy to use. Here’s what educators can expect:
- Flexibility: Adjust reading levels for individual students as needed, giving tailored support to those who require it most.
- Visibility: Use our “Student Mode” to preview how simplified text appears, allowing educators to experience it firsthand.
- Student-level Control: Reading levels are set per student in their class, so adjustments only affect the specific learning environment where it’s needed. If a student changes classes, their reading level resets to the default, keeping things simple for teachers.
Why This Feature is a Game-Changer
While we already offer a Text-to-Speech feature that transforms written words into spoken audio, the Adaptive Reading Level feature goes a step further by changing how the text itself is presented. This approach is not just about delivering information—it’s about ensuring comprehension, engagement, and inclusion.
By meeting students where they are, we’re breaking down barriers to learning and opening up new possibilities. Students who once felt overwhelmed by the words on the screen can now experience a sense of accomplishment, leading to increased confidence and motivation to learn.
What’s Next?
The launch of this feature is just the beginning. We’re actively exploring additional ways to make our content more inclusive, accessible, and engaging. We’re committed to using AI not only to personalize learning experiences but also to bridge educational gaps and ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re interested in seeing the Adaptive Reading Level feature in action or have questions about how it can benefit your students, please reach out to our team. We’re excited to hear your feedback and continue refining our tools to support every learner’s journey.
