The Minimizing Text Complexity Guidelines

Informed by research, the Minimizing Text Complexity (MTC) Guidelines aim to make print materials understandable to people who read or listen with comprehension at or below a third-grade level, especially individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The MTC Guidelines and approach address the limitations of existing methods, apply research-based guidelines to decrease word, sentence, and text-level complexity while maintaining the original meaning, and ensure texts remain connected and understandable from beginning to end to support clarity and cohesion. Access the MTC guidelines.

Minimizing text complexity goes beyond simplification approaches that rely on readability formulas and a focus on surface-level features. These approaches often reduce cohesion, increase inferencing demands, and limit comprehension. Additionally, the MTC approach offers an evidence‑based alternative to symbol‑supported text, which research has clearly shown may reduce reading comprehension. Finally, the MTC approach aims to provide students with equitable access to grade‑level content by moving beyond simplified summaries of key points. Instead, it equips students to engage with the full richness of texts, including the ideas, structure, vocabulary, and nuance, and participate meaningfully in aligned reading and learning experiences.