On Readability
- Eric Kellenberger
- Jul 20, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 11, 2022
Open Minds, Silicon Valley aims to be inclusive of everyone. In our effort to be accessible we may not get things right the first time, and that’s okay! Accessibility is a process and we are open to criticism (Byrne-Haber, 2021).
For example, in the last year Open Mind School added header tags and alternative text to our website. This makes the website easier to use for people using a screen reader. Our visual media is now checked for appropriate contrast and text size. We also test with color blind simulators and other evaluation tools.
A key part of cognitive accessibility is readability. These are the factors that help or hurt readers’ understanding, such as the content, structure, or design of a text (Huenerfauth et al., 2009). Researchers have identified many of these factors, making readability tests available online. (Feng et al., 2010).
We used one of these tests, the Automatic Readability Index (ARI), for the text on our website. The test results are presented as a grade level. This article reads at a 7th grade level.
Openmindschool.org’s web pages have a median reading level of 11th grade (Average: 9th-10th grade). The text is more complex than guidelines recommend; our goal is to revise the website to lower the reading level to 8th grade or below.
Please return to this article for updates on the process of making our content more readable!
Edit 1: As of 8/10/22 The median reading level was reduced to 10th grade (Average 8th-9th grade).
-----
Open Minds Silicon Valley provides platforms to elevate the voices of diverse students, professionals, and families. We encourage writing submissions to be emailed to eric@openmindschool.org. We look forward to being in touch about possible feature options.
The point about readability being more than just short sentences really stood out to me. Clear structure and word choice can make a huge difference, whether someone is reading educational content or an Investor Business Plan. Content that is easier to follow is far more likely to keep readers engaged
This is a really important topic that does not get enough attention. Readability affects everyone, not just students, and keeping content simple and clear is something more websites should actively work toward. The fact that you are using tools to measure and improve your reading levels shows a genuine commitment to making information accessible to all kinds of readers. This same principle applies beyond websites too. For example, when someone types help with resume writing near me they are usually looking for simple, clear communication from a professional who can break down their experience in a way that is easy for any recruiter to read and understand quickly. Simple language is powerful language and this post is a great reminder of…
This post highlights an important shift toward truly inclusive digital design, where accessibility is treated as an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix. The focus on screen reader support, contrast checks, and readability shows how thoughtful design can significantly improve user experience for diverse audiences. It also emphasizes that feedback and continuous improvement are essential in creating accessible platforms. In academic settings, similar principles apply when explaining complex subjects clearly, which is why students often rely on a chemistry course helper to break down difficult concepts into more understandable and structured learning materials.
This was a really thoughtful and practical read — I appreciated how the post breaks down readability in a way that feels rooted in real learning and communication, because it doesn’t just throw around abstract terms but actually explains why making content readable matters for students, teachers and anyone trying to share ideas clearly. The way it connects readability with things like clarity of thought, organisation, choice of words and audience awareness makes it feel like something you can actually apply in your own writing instead of just nodding along to a theory. I also liked how the post highlights that readability isn’t about dumbing things down, but about respecting the reader’s experience, which is a mindset shift many people overlook when they’re…
Improving readability and accessibility is essential for meaningful learning, much like personalized academic support. When students say, I need someone to take my online class for me, they’re often seeking clarity, structure, and better understanding just like the goal of simplifying content for all readers. With the right guidance and tools, education becomes more inclusive and effective, helping every learner access knowledge without unnecessary barriers