CommonLit vs ReadTheory

CommonLit is a nonprofit literacy provider offering teaching materials and an English language arts program for schools. Its Text Library gives teachers access to thousands of free literary works and texts from diverse and contemporary authors. CommonLit 360 is a full-year, standards-aligned curriculum for grades 6–12, combining reading, writing, speaking, and listening around complete texts and grade-level tasks. It includes three benchmark assessments for tracking students’ reading growth and proficiency during the school year. The materials support literacy development for grades 3–12, while the 360 curriculum covers grades 6–12. Listed integrations include Clever, ClassLink, Canvas, and Google Classroom; Canvas is limited to eligible paid school packages. Google Classroom can import classes and students, post assignments to the class stream, and export scores to the gradebook. The Digital plan is free for teachers and students. School plans are listed at $4,200 a year, $7,200 a year, and $12,800 a year, each with a one-year commitment.

ReadTheory is a web-based platform for personalized reading comprehension practice. A benchmark assessment identifies a student's reading level, then the platform adjusts practice as the student works. Its library includes thousands of fiction and nonfiction texts aligned to standards, alongside printable materials and tools for creating custom content. Reports cover Lexile and grade levels, ELA standards, and student progress history. The platform serves K–12, ESL, and special education learners, and the School & District plan is aimed at schools and districts. Browser-based access is designed for Chromebooks, tablets, and Windows or macOS computers; phones are not optimized for student use. Integrations listed include LMS, LTI, and rostering, with single sign-on through Clever, Google Classroom, and ClassLink. ReadTheory says student personal information is not sent to third-party AI systems or used to train AI or machine-learning models. The free Basic plan covers one staff member and 30 students with limited quizzes and progress history. School Champion costs $40 a month for one staff member and 40 students, with unlimited quizzes and progress history.