As SRI Interactive is soon sunsetting, teachers, schools, and parents are looking for a replacement tool, and many are turning to ReadTheory.
So how are Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI Interactive) and ReadTheory alike and how are they different? See a brief overview below and then let’s dive into the specifics!
| ReadTheory | SRI | |
| Continuously Adaptive | ✅ | x |
| On-Demand Diagnostics | ✅ | Only 1 assessment |
| Auto-Assigned Differentiation | ✅ | x |
| Real-time feedback for students | ✅ | x |
| Real-time Reporting | ✅ | One time only |
| Holiday Themed Content | ✅ | x |
| Printable Workbooks | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cost | $ | $$$ |
| ESSER Approved | ✅ | x |
1. Content Focus
SRI Interactive: Offered a one-time “reading physical” that measured reading growth and determined student needs.
ReadTheory: Provides a continuously adaptive learning program, focused in scope for improvement of reading comprehension skills. ReadTheory covers a broad range of literary and informational texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to engage students while improving skills. Students build skills like background knowledge, vocabulary, language structure, and more.
2. High Stakes Test Alignment
SRI Interactive: Used the Lexile Framework to align high-stakes assessments to instruction. This framework has been linked to national norm-referenced assessments such as the TerraNova Assessment Series (CTBS/5 and CAT/6); the SAT-10, SAT-9, MAT-8, SDRT-4; and the Iowa Tests (ITBS and ITED).
ReadTheory: Contributes to a significant increase in standardized test scores, according to teachers nationwide. Aligns to major state assessments such as the CA CAASPP, FL Fast, GA Milestones, NC EOG, the TX STARR, and more. Eliminates test anxiety by utilizing fun badges and competitions.
3. Adaptability
SRI Interactive: Used multiple choice questions that adapted based on student responses, with subsequent questions adjusting in difficulty level. The test was meant to be given as a diagnostic only and there was no program included for continued practice. The print version did not have an adaptive capability.
ReadTheory: Uses a pre-test, continuous adaptive technology, and on-demand diagnostics to tailor instruction and assign passages. Questions are in the form of multiple choice and writing prompts, geared towards each student’s learning level. It also provides personalized instruction based on a student’s performance, adjusting to each student’s ‘just right’ level, providing both challenge and support.
4. Real Time Feedback
SRI Interactive: Directly reported student reading levels using the native Lexile item format, but only one time after the students took the test.
ReadTheory: Provides instant feedback to students during practice sessions, free of charge. Students have access to their individual performance dashboard, promoting accountability for their progress. Due to the constant data collection, teachers can monitor real-time performance by Lexile Level and Grade. Teachers can also obtain detailed reports on aspects such as ELA Curriculum Standards, for an additional fee.
5. Customization and Integration
SRI Interactive: Did not have any customization or integration for teachers as it was only used for diagnostic purposes.
ReadTheory: Allows teachers to assign lessons, track student progress, and adjust instruction based on data insights, in addition to offering a diagnostic exam. Premium account holders also have the added benefits of initiating in-class competitions, linking multiple teacher accounts, accessing a library of printable worksheets featuring holiday-themed activities, and more.
SRI Interactive once had similar goals as ReadTheory–to enhance reading comprehension skills through targeted instruction. However, SRI Interactive only identified students’ ELA needs, whereas ReadTheory identifies students’ ELA needs and provides the tools for improvement with continuous personalized instruction. Now that SRI Interactive is sunsetting, teachers would benefit from signing up for ReadTheory as it is an all-in-one package complete with diagnostic exams and daily practice and reporting. Teachers, students, and parents can sign up for a free ReadTheory account here. We hope this post helps you make well-informed decisions about an SRI Interactive alternative based on your specific classroom requirements for reading comprehension.
