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Do you find the Star Test to be helpful when determining student problems and reading levels? We only have the old Star program and I would like to know if the newest Star program is any better or the same. Thank, Jillian
by Eileen Whittle
Mar 2, 2012
Can someone email me Polar the Titanic Bear quiz Would really appreciate it
by Patty Lockwood
Aug 15, 2012
We are trying to decide if it is better to encourage the students to do a maximum word count for accelerated reader or if they should read a number of books. Our concern is non- fiction books have less words, yet we want to encourage more non-fiction reading.
I know that this website is named teachers.net and that implies that it would be only teachers posting on here. However, thanks to the nature of the internet, I don't have to be a teacher to do so. So let me tell you my story, a student's story, about Accelerated Reader.
For those who won't read the whole story, just know that it up until...See MoreI know that this website is named teachers.net and that implies that it would be only teachers posting on here. However, thanks to the nature of the internet, I don't have to be a teacher to do so. So let me tell you my story, a student's story, about Accelerated Reader.
For those who won't read the whole story, just know that it up until this point and probably for quite some time into the future, destroyed any hope of me reading for enjoyment. Ever.
Also, my elementary school used this as the primary form of teaching reading skills.
The first time I took the test for this program was in third grade, so I was 9 years old. I maxed the test out to grade "13" or a college freshman. No one else had done that at my school before, so they didn't know what to do. So, what they did do was exactly the same as how they treated everyone else. I couldn't go any more than 3 grades below my minimum reading level, or a "13." I also couldn't go more than 3 grades above, but there was no literature in that range. This happened until I moved onto middle school through 6th grade. I had eventually been forced to read practically every book at that range, and most of those books involved large amounts of symbolism and complex structure. I understood the structure, but, at the time, it was so beyond boring to me, starting as a 9 year old reading what someone twice my age would.
This led to two things, one I already said. I did not read one fictional book (I devour non-fiction) in elementary, middle, or the first two years of high school for enjoyment. By my junior year (current year) I have only read THREE books for my personal enjoyment, all in the same series. I directly blame this upon AR.
The second thing this caused was I refused to accept symbols in literature. Often, the first thing we learn sticks in our mind and takes much, much assailing to change. I learned that in advanced literature, due to the nature of the AR tests, that the symbols are so very limited.
And that is all I have to say. If this sounded angry, it is. I loved those three books. I don't know if I will be picking up any more books soon for the same reasons, but I know I regret having the desire to read out of pleasure beaten out of me.
--A High School Junior.
As with any program or idea it should be implemented correctly to get good results. Students will be motivated if teachers are positive, if student have a say-so in their goal, and know that practicing reading with make them better readers and that they need to be able to read well to be successful in life.
We have to turn in an AR Plan. I have never used it. I know how it works. I am new to 3rd grade. What is a reasonible plan. Thank you for your time. Does anyone have a link that would help.
Is there a way that a teacher can preview an AR test?
by Not a fan of AR
Nov 17, 2012
I teach middle school language arts. I do not like AR, never have, never will. In our school, it's nothing more than a way for students to get a dress down day (they wear uniforms). I don't see how AR can possibly be considered a way to accurately measure reading comprehension. I think the only way teachers can guarantee reading comprehension is by...See MoreI teach middle school language arts. I do not like AR, never have, never will. In our school, it's nothing more than a way for students to get a dress down day (they wear uniforms). I don't see how AR can possibly be considered a way to accurately measure reading comprehension. I think the only way teachers can guarantee reading comprehension is by reading books together. Plus, I've read many unbiased research studies that say it does nothing to increase reading comprehension.
Next year, we will be incorporating ELA common core standards, and of course these standards include a totally new approach to how students should be comprehending reading. I've already begun a dialogue with the district's standards person, who asked for feedback on the proposed changes. I stated that AR would become obsolete with these new changes - as the AR tests do not delve into the depths of a book. Plus, the new standards require a 50/50 split between non-fiction and fiction reading. AR contains mostly fictional books.
I'm hoping this will be the end of AR at our school, as it serves no purpose for anything other than letting kids dress down for a day. Even reluctant readers won't make the effort.
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