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Accelerated Reader Chatboard

straight A student with few ar points

by m stephens

Feb 19, 2010

lease help our child has all A's on the report card but does not meet the AR 9wk goal. We have no problem with the fact they can not participant in extra activities because of not making the goal. This is also an AG class. the teacher calls or writes or wants meetings because her goal is not being meet. We are proud of the fact that we see all A's ...See More

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m stephens Thank you for your advice we will try it and let you know how it goes.

On 2/19/10, Jo wrote: > Since you have tried multiple times to talk to the > teacher and she is > suggesting a conference, agree and ask the principal to > be there. Ask for the goal to be lowered for your child > to something that would be a good compro...See MoreThank you for your advice we will try it and let you know how it goes.

On 2/19/10, Jo wrote: > Since you have tried multiple times to talk to the > teacher and she is > suggesting a conference, agree and ask the principal to > be there. Ask for the goal to be lowered for your child > to something that would be a good compromise for an > 'optional' program. > > On 2/19/10, m stephens wrote: >> On 2/19/10, mstephens wrote: Thank you for helping, >> he is passing the test on the ones he reads but >> falling short on the goal but we do see > effort >> being put towards it. We are not against the program >> if it helps some children and we do not expect to opt >> out because of the grades but we are aware of not >> making the goal But if it is optional why tell us in >> the third week of the 9wks were short on the goal? We >> want to be nice > and >> not upset the teacher but not be called every week >> about it. >>> On 2/19/10, Jo wrote: >>>> I'm having trouble determining the underlying issue. >>>> >>>> Is your child not reading either quickly enough >>>> or just not enough to meet the goal or not at >>>> all? Is your child failing the AR tests? Is your >>>> point that the program is optional so it should >>>> be a non- issue? Is your point that your child is >>>> getting straight A's so the program should be >>>> optional? >>>> >>>> Just trying to help. >>>> >>>> >>>> On 2/19/10, m stephens wrote: >>>>> On 2/19/10, Jo wrote: >>>>>> I would be asking the teacher and the >>>>>> principal: What is the purpose of the AR >>>>>> program at the school? How does a program >>>>>> where the individual's reward is a party or >>>>>> trophy put the class or teacher behind? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 2/19/10, m stephens wrote: >>>>>>> Please help our child has all A's on the >>>>>>> report card but does not meet the AR 9wk >>>>>>> goal. We have no problem with the fact they >>>>>>> can not participant in extra activities >>>>>>> because of not making the goal. This is >>>>>>> also an AG class. the teacher calls or >>>>>>> writes or wants meetings because her goal >>>>>>> is not being meet. We are proud of the fact >>>>>>> that we see all A's on the report card and >>>>>>> on nine week testing. Also the report card >>>>>>> reflects, to us that they are doing fine. >>>>>>> But because HER goals not meet She says he >>>>>>> his behind we have expressed that reading >>>>>>> is just not a hobby and apparently he can >>>>>>> read or surely it would reflect on his >>>>>>> grades. But still she insists they are >>>>>>> behind there are kids in the room who read >>>>>>> so many ar books they recieve tall gold >>>>>>> trophies on awards day. Our child does not >>>>>>> read like that. Any advice on what to tell >>>>>>> the teacher? >>> not enough to get all the points but passes on the >>> test taken I can see that it is good for some >>> students, and if you are reading but still not >>> completing the whole goal you should be considered >>> trying but she is saying he is behind? if it is >>> optional but he is still trying (just falling short >>> of the goal)why meet or conference ? Thank you for >>> your advice. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> thank you for your reponse we have not talked >>>>> to the principal. But we have spoken 4 times by >>>>> phone, one time face to face, 2 times by email >>>>> and now she wants a conference, we are thinking >>>>> of telling her we would like for the principal >>>>> to set in on the meeting. We are completely >>>>> aware that the goal is not being meet but >>>>> effort is being applied, just falling short of >>>>> the points. he can not be he only one in this >>>>> situation?

Feb 19, 2010

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JMO I have AR in my room....it's not exactly "optional" since the school requires AR. I would clarify the following points at your meeting with the principal/teacher: 1. Does AR impact on student's overall reading grade? (it should not be counted as a grade) 2. Is my child below grade-level in reading? (or just the assigned point totals?) 3. If my chil...See MoreI have AR in my room....it's not exactly "optional" since the school requires AR. I would clarify the following points at your meeting with the principal/teacher: 1. Does AR impact on student's overall reading grade? (it should not be counted as a grade) 2. Is my child below grade-level in reading? (or just the assigned point totals?) 3. If my child continues to "fall behind" on AR point goals, what are the consequences? If your kid misses a trophy, pizza party, or a certificate, so what? If he's got straight A's, continues to read AT or ABOVE grade-level, and is otherwise enjoying reading, that's enough. I can't stand when AR becomes a cause of strife in a family, and ultimately, reading becomes a chore. It's OK to ask the teacher (nicely) to stop bothering you with phone calls every week. Independent reading is the student's responsibility. Unless she expects you to read the book to your child, she can institute a punishment in school. It's OK to say that you are well aware that he is not maintaining his points, but you will continue to encourage reading at home. Good luck... On 2/19/10, m stephens wrote: > Thank you for your advice we will try it and let you know > how it goes. > > On 2/19/10, Jo wrote: >> Since you have tried multiple times to talk to the >> teacher and she is >> suggesting a conference, agree and ask the principal to >> be there. Ask for the goal to be lowered for your child >> to something that would be a good compromise for an >> 'optional' program. >> >> On 2/19/10, m stephens wrote: >>> On 2/19/10, mstephens wrote: Thank you for helping, >>> he is passing the test on the ones he reads but >>> falling short on the goal but we do see >> effort >>> being put towards it. We are not against the program >>> if it helps some children and we do not expect to opt >>> out because of the grades but we are aware of not >>> making the goal But if it is optional why tell us in >>> the third week of the 9wks were short on the goal? We >>> want to be nice >> and >>> not upset the teacher but not be called every week >>> about it. >>>> On 2/19/10, Jo wrote: >>>>> I'm having trouble determining the underlying issue. >>>>> >>>>> Is your child not reading either quickly enough >>>>> or just not enough to meet the goal or not at >>>>> all? Is your child failing the AR tests? Is your >>>>> point that the program is optional so it should >>>>> be a non- issue? Is your point that your child is >>>>> getting straight A's so the program should be >>>>> optional? >>>>> >>>>> Just trying to help. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 2/19/10, m stephens wrote: >>>>>> On 2/19/10, Jo wrote: >>>>>>> I would be asking the teacher and the >>>>>>> principal: What is the purpose of the AR >>>>>>> program at the school? How does a program >>>>>>> where the individual's reward is a party or >>>>>>> trophy put the class or teacher behind? >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 2/19/10, m stephens wrote: >>>>>>>> Please help our child has all A's on the >>>>>>>> report card but does not meet the AR 9wk >>>>>>>> goal. We have no problem with the fact they >>>>>>>> can not participant in extra activities >>>>>>>> because of not making the goal. This is >>>>>>>> also an AG class. the teacher calls or >>>>>>>> writes or wants meetings because her goal >>>>>>>> is not being meet. We are proud of the fact >>>>>>>> that we see all A's on the report card and >>>>>>>> on nine week testing. Also the report card >>>>>>>> reflects, to us that they are doing fine. >>>>>>>> But because HER goals not meet She says he >>>>>>>> his behind we have expressed that reading >>>>>>>> is just not a hobby and apparently he can >>>>>>>> read or surely it would reflect on his >>>>>>>> grades. But still she insists they are >>>>>>>> behind there are kids in the room who read >>>>>>>> so many ar books they recieve tall gold >>>>>>>> trophies on awards day. Our child does not >>>>>>>> read like that. Any advice on what to tell >>>>>>>> the teacher? >>>> not enough to get all the points but passes on the >>>> test taken I can see that it is good for some >>>> students, and if you are reading but still not >>>> completing the whole goal you should be considered >>>> trying but she is saying he is behind? if it is >>>> optional but he is still trying (just falling short >>>> of the goal)why meet or conference ? Thank you for >>>> your advice. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> thank you for your reponse we have not talked >>>>>> to the principal. But we have spoken 4 times by >>>>>> phone, one time face to face, 2 times by email >>>>>> and now she wants a conference, we are thinking >>>>>> of telling her we would like for the principal >>>>>> to set in on the meeting. We are completely >>>>>> aware that the goal is not being meet but >>>>>> effort is being applied, just falling short of >>>>>> the points. he can not be he only one in this >>>>>> situation?

Feb 23, 2010

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Great AR student who might fail reading class

by Mrs.V

Feb 23, 2010

There is this child in my reading class and shes 11 or 12. She reads alot. But she doesnt read the reading book. This six weeks she has 55 AR points and its the 3rd day! If you look on her test she has a couple a's some D's and more F's! Everyday i get an AR paper from her but still C's, D's and F's! She gets bored easily with the reading book. Twi...See More

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Mrs. V I have tried that. Even though i ask her nicely when i turn my back she reads again. And trust me when she likes something were on you will know because when it comes to the test she Ace's it. She could be the smartest one in the class. If she doesn't like the first chapter of the book She probably returns the book! She reads faster than me. And wh...See More

Feb 23, 2010

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teach4 Have dealt with a few like yours. What is her independent reading level? How does that compare to the reading book you use in class? If she reads higher levels it could be a few things; see is 'bored' or thinks of it as to easy so she doesn't really 'read' the reading book, just completes assignments. Do you think you could do a special behavior sy...See More

Feb 26, 2010

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Upgrade from AR 6.3 to Enterprise

by Library Lady

Mar 10, 2010

Our school is considering upgrading from our current AR program to the web based Enterprise program and I am trying to determine if the significant increase in cost will be justified by the: Availibitly of tests, Convience of use, and home based data that the new system offers. Has anyone found issues with the web based testing? Is it slower than t...See More

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L. L Thank you again! Also, are students able to take quizzes at home? I read a few posts and it is not clear if that is available with AR enterprise or not.

Mar 18, 2010

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Tyler On 3/18/10, L. L wrote: > Thank you again! Also, are students able to take quizzes at home? I > read a few posts and it is not clear if that is available with AR > enterprise or not.

Students should not be allowed to test from home. RP offers the ability to enforce IP restrictions and time/duration testing. I think allowing stude...See More

Mar 19, 2010

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math

by shanya

Mar 25, 2010

dtrtrt

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Access to AR quizzes

by lauren

Mar 25, 2010

Would you please reply with how you use (if ever) the preview of student quizzes that are available on the management access of AR? Why are they there?

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lauren Yes, I'd like to know why it's there. Sorry if I worded my question wrong. Who should EVER take a sample quiz?

On 3/27/10, Ima Teacher wrote: > I don't quite get your question. > > Are you asking why the "take a sample quiz" is available? > > > > On 3/25/10, lauren wrote: >> Would you please reply with how you u...See More

Mar 27, 2010

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Ima Teacher It's only available to teachers.

I use it frequently, especially over books that I'm teaching to my class. My students always take the literacy skills and reading comprehension quizzes on AR in addition to a written test that meets our state guidelines. I'll take a sample quiz so that I can see their questions so I don't duplicate.
<...See More

Mar 28, 2010

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Accelerated Reader Point vs. Bk system

by Lisa

Mar 27, 2010

My son attended 1st grade at one school and he loved AR. He had 144 points in first grade. He wasn't a great reader at the very beginning of 1st grade and his STAR report showed a tremendous jump from where he started to where he finished.

This year in second grade, he is going to a new school. They don't use the point system, but they go ...See MoreMy son attended 1st grade at one school and he loved AR. He had 144 points in first grade. He wasn't a great reader at the very beginning of 1st grade and his STAR report showed a tremendous jump from where he started to where he finished.

This year in second grade, he is going to a new school. They don't use the point system, but they go by how many books the children read. They get to move their car around the track once they have completed a book. It starts over every 9 weeks. So far this year, he has 170 points but children with 40 points for the year pass him on the track.

He doesn't mind when he gets passed on the track, but he is frustrated that no one even his teacher doesn't understand how hard he has worked. He has only mentioned that it bothers him a couple of times, but I can tell it really does. The other night when he said mom, when I saw my points today, I almost cried. So I said why, and he said I set a goal for myself to outdo my points from first grade I have almost reached my (personal) goal and no one even knows. I told his teacher what he said and she said that all of the kids at "this" school read well and what he is doing is normal for "this" school. I have since found out that in fact it is not normal and that he has at least 100 more points than anyone in the 2nd grade. His average reading level is 5.0. I don't want him to be noticed for his level of reading, but for his enthusiasm and hard work.

Strangely, I feel they are trying to be fair and in so doing being very unfair. This sounds strange, but when he was noticed and rewarded in first grade and allowed to show his enthusiasm, a lot of parents who I didn't even know approached me and said, my son or daughter is reading so much more, or my son or daughter wanted to read this or that book because (my son) said it was a great book. I seemed to be getting approached by so many parents, even at the grocery store and they were all smiles and laughing and saying well, me and my (son or daughter) are reading this book tonight, because (Logan) (my son) said it was a good book. In other words no one seemed hurt or as if they resented the fact that he was doing well and sharing his enthusiasm. At his old school even on the mornings when I walked him into his class, Fifth graders would come up to him and say, Hey Logan I read that book and I got 12 points. That is the part that really disturbs me about the whole thing. "This" school as it turns out does have a few struggling readers, I wish they would allowed him to share his enthusiasm and recognize him. He didn't get to be a good reader, because he was born reading or because his parents taught him how to read when he was 2 years old. The AR program inspired him, and then he inspired other children, but at the new school he said if he told someone how many points he had, they would say oh yeah, me too, I have 100 points too. He said when they take a test and score 100 they think that is points and no one even knows how hard he has worked. Am I being difficult, because I don't feel like I am. Does his teacher possibly not understand the amount of time and effort that goes into reading that much. The difference between 40 points and 170 is an awful lot of hours of reading. And other children could put forth that effort as well but aren't. Perhaps their energy is going into somethng they are more passionate about and if that is the case and they are working really hard at that particular thing, it wouldn't bother me if they received recognition for it.

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John First thing I'd offer to you is that you start a rewards based system at home. So, if he meets this goal, he gets supper of his choice, or go out to eat, or taken to a movie, local entertainment center, etc. A student should not be point invested or total books read incentive. Reading is the incentive. Sure, he/she can play the system and read a to...See More

Mar 29, 2010

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Patty I don't care what the training says, I think that both the points system and the book count are flawed ways of measuring total reading. A child gets .5 oints for reading a 200 word 1.5 level book, and the same point value for a 2,000 word 4.5 level picture book. Ridiculous. I use the word count and their only reward is that they get to bring their ...See More

Apr 5, 2010

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YOUR MOM

by uyfghoadyghoasbf

Mar 30, 2010

kq23risrisegfsygerfkjzysdfoiuyzgsdriugasod8c7fzsejlrkzgxuvb awekfygduyfbsuvygalehjrbfvzdfybqekruyvbadsfgqeasudyvawjvcka yusdbvuaeyf vyuervauydvsl,uyadsvbkuytvdauyvsdkzsdvczgsdvsvdkucvkawefzyd scvyaerfvakyusdfkayugefkuyaergkuygerfvberfuybrekucbkuwyd wedgqwuekydqwuydgqyuwd qwkyudgqwkuydgwuyedgqw dqgwekuydwkeyduvwe wed e e dwegvduufufufufjfhf fhfhfhfi...See More

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Accelerated reader

by tidus wakka

Mar 30, 2010

Accelerated reader is not good because children wont read because they get mad if ther testtaking skills arent good but they do read. they fail tests get mad and than dont read at all it is very hard on some children

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Accelerated reader stinks!

by ben alberg

Mar 30, 2010

accelerated reader makes me soooooooo mad!!!! i hate it!! it sucks!

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Accelerated reader

by Imaparent

Mar 30, 2010

Should ar points be counted as 20 percent of my childs reading grade. In my childs school she is required to get at least 20 points each nine weeks. If she fails to reach her goal by the end of the nine weeks and she had an A in reading class, her reading grade on her report card will be a C. If she does not have at least half of her points by mid ...See More

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funny arent,

I am just questioning how a program is run because of how it is apparently contrary to how the EXPERTS that made the program say it is to be run. I understand that it also says because we know schools will grade it so here are the guidelines for that. My question is and remains, why?

Funny’s Response: Parent, I’m just ...See Morearent,

I am just questioning how a program is run because of how it is apparently contrary to how the EXPERTS that made the program say it is to be run. I understand that it also says because we know schools will grade it so here are the guidelines for that. My question is and remains, why?

Funny’s Response: Parent, I’m just a K-5 classroom teacher who uses AR scores to give my parents that extra feedback about how their child’s comprehension is doing. I love the fact that children can choose books at their own level (even on Amazon w/ parent help)! I’m in no way an expert or an AR trainer; that was a different poster, whom I respect greatly. I think your question is a good one and maybe I should have read what you were saying more quickly before making sarcastic analogies about the doctor’s office.

You posted earlier that schools MUST translate it into a grade to use the program...why?

Funny’s Reponse: I’m not an expert in AR so don’t quote me on this, but I don’t think it says anywhere in my district that schools MUST translate it into a grade, but I do know of other districts who make it mandatory. It is a reliable method that is fair and equitable; it would be hard for teachers to “fudge” grades and easy for students to understand what they need to do in order to succeed. I’m guessing that is the philosophy behind it (that’s only a guess).

Finally... So why do we have to take your advice?

Funny’s Response: You’re right actually; you shouldn’t be forced to take our advice. However, if each parent had a different opinion about what the program would/should be it could get really tricky for the teacher. (I’ve actually experienced this in a 2nd grade classroom). I think this is a fine line, but one all educators & parents should respect and tread on carefully in either direction.

Thank you for your response and apology. I apologize as well for making this in any way a personal issue. It is not a personal issue with you or any other teacher. I have just got the run around about questioning the grading of AR when it plainly says it is not recommended. I believe this is the first time anyone has admitted that AR does say it is not to be graded.

It is frustrating to be a parent and be told by teachers that because we can is why we grade or that we are the teachers and we know what is best and answers of similar nature. I am not the one saying it should not be graded, Renlearn says it and I'm just asking the question.

Funny’s Response: You’re most welcome. In the end we both want the same thing…what’s best for our children/students. I appreciate your desire to be involved and right to an opinion. In the end, I’m not sure we’ll agree, but I’d rather have 10 proactive parents with passion like you, instead of 10 parents I have to BEG to help their children with homework! (This frankly is more the norm). Thank you and good luck in finding the answer you seek…I honestly don’t have one and probably should have kept my nose out of this. :(

-Stefany (AKA funny) (OK folks, I promise! No more responses. I'll move on! hehe)

On 4/12/10, A Parent wrote: > On 4/12/10, funny_response to parent wrote: >> Parent, >> >> Your personal attack in accusing me of walking around with blinders >> on (in response to my comment about seeing the doctor) is exactly my >> point about dealing with ridiculous parents and/or customer demands >> these days. It is quite difficult for professionals in any field to >> do their jobs without getting attacked by non-experts (in that >> particular field) who’ve read an article or two online or a teacher’s >> manual and think they have the right to dictate how the program, car, >> etc. should be fixed. (Although, in your defense, my sarcasm in a >> prior post was out of line so I have to own my part in this). > > I am just questioning how a program is run because of how it is > apparently contrary to how the EXPERTS that made the program say it is > to be run. I understand that it also says because we know schools will > grade it so here are the guidelines for that. My question is and > remains, why? You posted earlier that schools MUST translate it into a > grade to use the program...why? > > >> >> A customer (or parent) comes in with a problem or perspective, and >> most often it really is a professional judgment call. Do mechanics, >> doctors, and teachers make mistakes? You bet! Those are the times >> when customers/parent must speak up to protect themselves! I am >> thankful for respectful feedback, when given, because I am human and >> would want parents to point out if I’ve missed the mark or have made >> a mistake that isn’t in the best interest of their child. After all, >> the ultimate goal here is what is best for teaching our students and >> children right? >> >> The point I am making is that parents need to allow educators to make >> judgment calls about these types of programs; otherwise any idiot >> robot can read the manual and press the computer button. Does the AR >> program advise educators not to use scores for grading purposes? >> Yes! > > Finally... > > > > Does that mean we have to take the advice? No. > > > So why do we have to take your advice? > > > We have to >> alter the materials we have to make learning measurable and >> reliable. >> >> I apologize for my earlier sarcasm, it was inappropriate and >> counterproductive. Sometimes I just get so frustrated because we all >> have the best intentions…what’s best for these kiddos, yet we end up >> nipping at each other. I know you only care so much because you love >> your children. > > > Thank you for your response and apology. I apologize as well for making > this in any way a personal issue. It is not a personal issue with you > or any other teacher. I have just got the run around about questioning > the grading of AR when it plainly says it is not recommended. I believe > this is the first time anyone has admitted that AR does say it is not to > be graded. > > It is frustrating to be a parent and be told by teachers that because we > can is why we grade or that we are the teachers and we know what is best > and answers of similar nature. I am not the one saying it should not be > graded, Renlearn says it and I'm just asking the question. > > > >> >> -Stefany (Funny’s Real Name) >> >> On 4/09/10, A Parent wrote: >>> >>> Hey funny... do you blindly follow and believe anything everyone >>> tells you? Do you not have enough confidence in common sense and >>> enough awareness that prompts you to ask questions when you see >>> something going wrong and with facts from the manufacturer to >>> prove it? Look where that kind of blind vision got us in the last >>> presidential election. Keep those blinders on!! >>> >>> >>> >>> On 4/09/10, funny wrote: >>>> Oh Imma Teacher don't you know that when a parent reads a >>>> website that makes them an expert? All your training and >>>> common sense judgments have no merit! LOL! It doesn't make >>>> sense for a professionally trained educator to have the right >>>> to make a "judgment" call. So ridiculous! >>>> >>>> >>>> On 4/09/10, Ima Teacher wrote: >>>>> Answers in-line . . . >>>>> >>>>> On 4/09/10, A Parent wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> Since some like the doctor analogy, how about this >>>>>> one.... You buy a car and take it home to find out it >>>>>> is not running properly. You take it back to the dealer >>>>>> and tell them and they tell you, oh, its ok, I went to >>>>>> mechanic school and I say its ok and not a problem. You >>>>>> look at the owners manual and its apparent that the >>>>>> machanic is not following the manufacturer's >>>>>> recommendations for the correct grade of oil. If you >>>>>> see a discrepancy in what the manufacturer says and >>>>>> what the mechanic says, do you still question the >>>>>> mechanic because they went to mechanic school, even >>>>>> though its YOUR car? >>>>> >>>>> And, then, the TRAINED MECHANIC explains to the car >>>>> owner that the owner's manual is designed with the typical >>>>> drive in mind. After discussing the situation with the >>>>> owner, it is apparent to the mechanic that the driver is >>>>> NON-TYPICAL. Fortunately, the mechanic has spent many >>>>> hours working with your vehicle, and all that training >>>>> also includes information on how to work with non-typical >>>>> driving situations. >>>>> >>>>> The owner, however, cannot believe that a MERE MECHANIC >>>>> would actually know anything because, of course, the >>>>> owner's manual is ONLY way that things could possibly be >>>>> done. Stupid mechanic. We all know that the printed word >>>>> of an untrained person reading one manual trumps the >>>>> knowledge gathered during many years of active work with >>>>> the company and specific vehicle. >>>>> >>>>>> Ima Teacher, according to your post on 5-10, you say >>>>>> secondary schools MUST have a way to grade if they want >>>>>> to use the program.... why? It looks to me like AR is >>>>>> an independant reading program and the quizzes are a >>>>>> way of tracking if the student read the book, not to >>>>>> give a reading comprehension grade, and renlearn >>>>>> somewhat makes that very clear the way I read it. To me >>>>>> it looks like renlearn knows teachers are using it >>>>>> incorrectly or at least not the way it was designed and >>>>>> therefore came out with "guidelines" for >>>>>> those who choose not to take their recommendations. >>>>> >>>>> Have you ever taught in a secondary school? For that >>>>> matter, have you ever taught in an elementary school? >>>>> Secondary teacher see many more students in a day. They >>>>> see them for less time. Children in middle and high >>>>> school are often NOT inclined to do any work that they do >>>>> not see as tied to a grade. While there are self- >>>>> motivated readers out there who will read no matter what, >>>>> there are more who do not like it and don't want to do >>>>> it. We use standards-based grading, so we must be able to >>>>> show a student's progress toward a standard, which >>>>> translates into a grade. I would love to read for the >>>>> sake of reading, but in reality it just doesn't work. >>>>> >>>>> Yes, the program does measure independent reading. But, >>>>> did you know that "independent" doesn't mean that the >>>>> student merely gets books and read them and tests on >>>>> them? There is teacher involvement all along the way. >>>>> Independent reading is more complicated than many think. >>>>> >>>>> Obviously the company is not completely against the use of >>>>> grades or they would not have come up with grading >>>>> policies. Many schools MISUSE THE GRADING POLICY, which >>>>> is where the problem occurs. And this is due to LACK OF >>>>> TRAINING, which I have harped upon for years. >>>>> >>>>> Did you know that they have also changed their point goals >>>>> over the years? The original program was designed for 60 >>>>> minutes of daily in-class reading. Then, after feedback >>>>> from users, they realized that secondary schools did not >>>>> have time in their day for an hour of reading. So, in >>>>> response to user input, they now have goals for shorter >>>>> amounts of time per day. They did this the same year that >>>>> they added the grading policy. >>>>> >>>>> I was even part of the group of teachers who gave them >>>>> input over the years, since I have been through their >>>>> trainer certification program. It was not, as you seem to >>>>> believe, a matter of "those stupid teachers are doing what >>>>> they want, so we'll just let them". They listened to our >>>>> needs and adapted their program. >>>>> >>>>> And if you can't understand that, then I don't know what >>>>> to do for you.

Apr 12, 2010

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middle school parent It would be very helpful in advancing this discussion if teachers posting here clearly and factually established what Accelerated Reader is and is not.

A quick glance at the company's own information ([link removed].

AR does not teach reading -- that is something else entirely, as teachers know.

Everyone can agree, I thin...See MoreIt would be very helpful in advancing this discussion if teachers posting here clearly and factually established what Accelerated Reader is and is not.

A quick glance at the company's own information ([link removed].

AR does not teach reading -- that is something else entirely, as teachers know.

Everyone can agree, I think, that increasing reading practice helps in many academic areas, so "How do we get students to read?" becomes the basic issue.

This is where opinions diverge, because some schools that purchase AR tack on prizes and grades as carrot and sticks, aka bribes and threats, as a means of enforcing AR reading requirements -- even though AR explicitly discourages those practices! (Again, see Ren. Learn web site for details.)

Schools and teachers can argue, rationalize and justify "off- label" implementions of AR, and Renaissance Learning can (and does) look the other way, but does that make it right?

There is a great body of literature out there by literacy professionals on how best to motivate students to read (just to read, we're not talking direct instruction here). I urge schools and teachers, whom I regard as professionals -- with the ethical duties that come with that classification -- to consult literacy experts and research before they apply AR, in any way that suits their needs regardless of manufacturer's recommendations, to living, breathing students.

On 4/12/10, to-A Parent-just to clarify wrote: > Just to clarify further, this is why it counts for a grade, > NOT why we use AR in the first place. I'm sure you know that. > > On 4/12/10, to-A Parent (aka Fireman Dad?) wrote: >> Those of us whom have taught scores (hundreds, in my >> case) of students for >> years, know we need to do more than read one page of a >> manual before we know it all. You cannot expect >> children to fulfill a reading requirement (goal) and >> then tell them it really doesn't count for anything >> tangible. They need some motivation and that's why it >> is a portion of their grade. Grades motivate them more >> than some stupid plastic piece of junk given for a >> prize anyway. Frequently when given assignments, the >> first thing they ask is "does this count for a >> grade?" You can bet your bottom dollar if they >> think it doesn't, most of them will put little or no >> effort into it. We also have to come up with something >> to justify the grade we give them so if you expect them >> to do it, it needs to be counted toward that grade. >> Notice, I say toward the grade, not anywhere near the >> entire grade. All of this comes from vast experience >> with kids, the AR program, lots of training, and I know >> what works and what doesn't. This has all been covered >> repeatedly (read the entire month of January's posts) >> so can we please move on here? >> >> >> On 4/12/10, Why? wrote: >>> This question has already been answered for you >>> multiple times. Two people have explained it. You >>> choose not to listen. >>> >>> I shall not waste my time explaining it to you again. >>> >>> Perhaps home-schooling would be the best option for >>> your child. >>> >>> >>> On 4/12/10, A Parent wrote: My question is and >>>> remains, why? You posted earlier that schools MUST >>>> translate it into a grade to use the program...why?

Apr 13, 2010

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