So Why Is Text Complexity So Important?

The current complexity of texts students are expected to read is way below what is required for college and career readiness.  Take into consideration:

*High school textbook complexity has declined over several decades.

*The average length if sentences in K-8 textbooks has declined from 20 to 14 words.

*Vocabulary demands have declined.  Current 8th grade textbooks have the equivalent text complexity to former 5th grade textbooks, and current 12th grade anthologies are equivalent to former 7th grade texts.

Complexity of college and career texts has remained steady or increased. resulting in a significant gap (350L).

Too many students are reading at too low a level (less than 50% of high school graduates can read sufficiently complex texts.

The complexity of what students can read is the greatest predictor of success in college. 

(Source:  ACT)