Readability Levels of Representative Navy Job Reading for Nonrated Personnel

摘要

This study was conducted as part of the Navy's ongoing initiative in fundamental skills (reading, mathematics, and communication). Representative job reading materials for nonrated enlisted personnel were sampled to determine readability levels as information for establishing a minimum reading competency goal for enlisted personnel. The overall average for all material sampled (e.g., plans of the day, safety precaution placards, training manuals) was the 10th grade. Results from this study contributed the formation of Navy policy set forth in OPNAV Instruction 1510.11, Enlisted Fundamental Skills Training, of 19 August 1982, which establishes a reading competency goal of the ninth grade for all enlisted personnel. The present study suggests an effort should be made to simplify the readability of the more difficult job reading material. At the same time, remedial reading programs for enlisted personnel with reading skill deficiencies should be implemented. These recommendations are consistent with Navy policy set forth in OPNAV Instruction 1510.11. (Author)