Lexia Reading is a computer-based literacy program developed in 1984 that utilizes games and activities to assess students' literacy skills without formal testing. It tracks student progress and provides data to teachers. Research shows it has potentially positive effects on alphabetics, fluency, and comprehension. While more research is needed, Lexia is presented as a fun, flexible program to enhance students' literacy and technology skills in a less stressful individualized way, though it does not replace conventional instruction and requires teacher monitoring.

1. Lexia Reading!
By Randi Henderson

2. What is Lexia Reading?
 Developed by Lexia Learning Systems Inc.
 Began developing software in 1984, most recent version
updated in 2007. (WWC, 2009)
 Useful for predicting end of the year outcomes for students so
teachers can plan effectively.
 Computer based program
 Utilizes games, literacy based activities, and “Assessment
without Testing”.
 The program keeps track of student progress and gives
teachers tons of data so they can adjust the program for
their students.
 Useful for all levels of learning!

3. Why use Lexia Reading?
 Computer based
 Especially important now with the statewide change to the
PARCC exam.
 Teaches technological literacy and functional literacy
 Can be used from any computer, iPad, iPhone. Lots of
flexibility!
 Can be adapted for all levels
 LLS recommends:
 20-30 min. a day two times a week for on grade level/advanced
students, 3-4 times a week for struggling students, and up to 5
times a week for students who are farthest behind.
 Student-Driven, Teacher-Directed
 Less student stress and embarrassment, teaches independent
learning, teachers closely monitor improvement.

4. Core Outline
Shows which key elements are being
tested at each level, as well as which
levels are considered appropriate for
each grade.

5. What is Lexia Reading used for?
 According to the Lexia Learning Website:
 Lexia Reading is effective for enhancing all levels of literacy,
including:
 Phonological Awareness
 Phonics
 Structural Analysis
 Automaticity/Fluency
 Vocabulary
 Comprehension
 But according to the What Works Clearinghouse…
 “...was found to have potentially positive effects on alphabetics,
no discernable effects on fluency, potentially positive effects on
comprehension, and no discernable effects on general reading
achievement”

6. What research has been done?
 What Works Clearinghouse
 Review completed by U.S. Dept of Education
 Out of 11 pieces of research reviewed, only three were found to
meet WWC standards.
 Used DIBELS subtests to compare Lexia Reading with two
control groups: One using no intervention and one using
Earobics
 Lexia vs. No Intervention: Study found the difference was
positive and substantive.
 Lexia vs. Earobics: No discernible difference.
 Corroborating Studies published in: Reading Psychology,
Bilingual Research Journal, Journal of Research in
Reading, and the European Journal of Special Needs
Education

7. However…
 More research needs to be done!
 How will Lexia Reading help Arkansas students taking the
new PARCC exam?
 Are computer based literacy interventions going to be more
important in the future so students learn tech skills and
literacy skills?
 How does computer based learning affect print awareness?

8. The bottom line…
 Lexia is a fun, innovative program that students can use
from any computer to improve their literacy skills.
 It is not a replacement for conventional training, but an
enhancement.
 Students are more independent, but teacher monitoring
is vital!

9. References
 Lexia Learning Systems Inc. (2013). Lexia: Changing
the Future. Now.
http://www.lexialearning.com/product
 U.S. Department of Education (2009). What Works
Clearinghouse: Lexia Reading.
http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/pdf/intervention_reports/wwc_l
exia_063009.pdf