Is the Lexile not a nationally normed reading achievement test?
I'd say it's not, but I'm not sure I can explain the difference clearly.
Here's part of the explanation:
http://www.lexile.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?view=re&tabindex=6&tabid=34#5What is The Lexile Framework for Reading?
The Lexile Framework is a scientific approach to reading measurement that makes it possible to place readers and text on the same scale. The difference between a reader's Lexile measure and a text's Lexile measure is used to forecast the comprehension the reader will have with the text. The Lexile Framework was built on the common knowledge that text can be ordered as to difficulty, and readers can be ordered as to reading ability.
The Lexile Framework provides a common language which students, teachers, parents and media specialists can use in promoting student growth in reading. The Lexile Framework is not an instructional program any more than a thermometer is a medical treatment. But just as a thermometer can be useful in managing medical interventions, the Lexile Framework can be useful in managing instructional programs and resources.
Basically, you can get a Lexile from a nationally normed test (like the Stanford Achievement Test or NWEA MAP), but it's not designed to work the other way around.
What is the validity of the Lexile Framework?
Lexile Framework Linked to other Measures of Reading Comprehension. The Lexile Framework for Reading has been linked to several standardized tests of reading comprehension. When assessment scales are linked, a common frame of reference can be used to interpret the test results. This frame of reference can be "used to convey additional normative information, test-content information, and information that is jointly normative and content-based. For many test uses, � [this frame of reference] conveys information that is more crucial than the information conveyed by the primary score scale" (Petersen, Kolen and Hoover, 1989, p. 222).
I interpret this as saying the Lexile is linked to nationally normed tests but is not a nationally normed test in itself.
Does that help?
P.S. If that doesn't help, here's a link to submit the question directly to the Lexile developers.
http://www.lexile.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?view=re&tabindex=6&tabid=34&tabpageid=95