|
Accelerated Reader Information
Links to the AR books
http://www.arbookfind.com/
To view the tests your child has taken and the scores visit https://hosted209.renlearn.com/261049/homeconnect/login.aspx
General Information about AR
The Accelerated Reader Program is a tool that enables computer-assisted assessment of student comprehension of “everyday” or “regular” books. Many teachers utilize this program as part of their regular curriculum. It was created by Renaissance Learning in 1986 and is used in over 60,000 schools nationwide. Accelerated Reader’s goal is to motivate students to read using an individualized goal/point system. Further information is available on their web site: www.renlearn.com. The process is described below.
A student participating in Accelerated Reader (AR) chooses a leveled book with the assistance of his or her teacher, or by using one of the master lists in the library (Mrs. Benesch keeps the lists at the circulation desk), or the lists on-line at the CRES web site. On line, one list is alphabetical, and the other is by book level. Book levels range from .3 (Snow Joe is an example) to level 13.5 (Gulliver’s Travels).
Most students know their levels; Mrs. Benesch, or your teacher, will be happy to assist anyone who asks. AR books are flagged in the school’s library with color-coded dots on the spines; the keys are posted throughout the library. There is a label inside each AR book denoting its level and point value. We have tests for about 5000 books right now, and more are always coming. In order for the school to have the test, we must have the book in the library. If you have any special requests regarding tests and/or books, please contact Mrs. Benesch.
After a student chooses and reads a book, and depending upon what the individual classroom program is, he or she then takes the test on the computer during designated class time, during computer class time, or with an appropriate partner at an approved time and place. There are also opportunities to take tests during the students’ library time, if the computers in the library are not being used for regular library work, and the student has the time.
Each test is a multiple-choice comprehension test on the book’s content. Tests may have 5, 10 or 20 questions, depending on the length and difficulty of the book. The computer scores the test and awards the student points based on the results. Point records are maintained by the Accelerated Reader committee. In addition to its integration into curriculum and grading, the Accelerated Reader program includes the added incentive of a “store” twice a year where students may “spend” the points/Bucks they have earned (see below).
Each year our school has an AR point level goal: In the 2006-2007 school year our goal was to earn 20,000 points and it was met. This year our goal is 25,000 points, and as of the end of January, we were more than half way there. Our goal is tracked on the AR bulletin board on the way in to the multi-purpose room; other AR-related information is posted there as well.
AR Store
The AR store is an extra-curricular incentive program. Points are converted to Reader “Bucks” which students may then spend.
The AR Store gives students who have participated in the AR program the opportunity to spend their Reader Bucks on anything from mood rings to MP3 players. If a student decides to “save up” his or her Reader Bucks for a bigger prize, he or she is responsible for maintaining control of those Bucks just as though they were “real” money; please keep in mind that store inventory changes with the trends and availability, so there are no guarantees that a particular item will be available at the next store.
Students are allowed to carry their Bucks over from year to year. Please keep in mind that from third to fourth grade prices go back to normal. (Prices for first through third graders are half of what they would be for fourth through sixth graders.) Sixth graders should spend all of their Reader Bucks at the spring store. When the store is open, students may shop with their classroom group. If a student has a scheduling conflict, he or she should discuss it with his or her teacher prior to the store. Unfortunately, absences cannot be accommodated.
Corporate, organizational, and/or individual sponsorships are what fund the AR Store. Our PTA has funded the store for 2009-2010. Acknowledgment is designated on the reverse side of each buck, and in all flyers and other communication about AR.
Questions regarding sponsorship, volunteer opportunities, or any aspect of the Accelerated Reader Program may be directed to Amy Brown (827-6674; dabrowns_in_reno@hotmail.com ); Heather Mulligan (829-7273; hm_mulligan@yahoo.com); or Cathy Pearson (824-0776; pearson4@gmail.com). Volunteers to work the store are always appreciated; please contact Amy Brown. Comments and/or suggestions for store prizes are welcome (we can’t guarantee that we can get them, but we’ll try!).
|
