Accelerated Reader Chatboard

Join Teachers.Net

Chatboards

Recent Groups

Accelerated Reader

MEMBERS

2 Members

+ Join Group

Pinned Posts

ALLAll Teachers

Teachers.Net LIVE CHAT Support group - Tues eve!

Featured Jobs

Full-timeMontessori Teacher

Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada

TemporaryTeachers, rural schools

Peace River North School District

Full-timeHead Teacher: 2nd/3rd Grades – Mills College Children’s School

Mills College

Teaching Jobs on Teachers.Net

Featured Job special only $39!

https://teachers.net/jobs

Become a Teachers.Net sponsor!

Accelerated Reader Chatboard

Help for struggling students

by 4everteacher

Aug 31, 2009

I have a couple of kids who show slightly above average IQ's, yet their Star tests and standardized test scores are quite a bit below level. They seem to do well enough with class work, yet I do notice a bit of a struggle when discussing new vocabulary, with decoding, or with comprehension. What are some strategies to help these kids who seem willi...See More

Comment

report post

incentives/awards

by kathy

Sep 5, 2009

I'm looking for ideas to use in my 4th grade classroom to motivate students and award them. We do not have a school-wide award system. Any and all ideas are welcome. Thanks!!!!

Comment

report post

NO points for 60% or below

by Sheila

Sep 7, 2009

We have used AR for years at our school in grades 4-8. Below that (grades pre-k-3) is is optional for the students to take tests. Sometimes a child scores below a 60 and gets no points at all. Our principal has listened to many parents gripe about that over the years. Can anyone tell me who that is handled at your school? The principal thinks they ...See More

Comment

(22)

report post

view previous comments

Gi GI You as a teacher did not know to tell a student they were supposed to be working on a school wide assignment? You think it is unfair for you to used data to determine what a student needs? That is what teaching is about. If a student is not comprehending books on the level that they are reading you are supposed to lower the level of books that they...See MoreYou as a teacher did not know to tell a student they were supposed to be working on a school wide assignment? You think it is unfair for you to used data to determine what a student needs? That is what teaching is about. If a student is not comprehending books on the level that they are reading you are supposed to lower the level of books that they are reading. If you think that the tests are based off of movies you should read the book yourself and take the test. Taking the word of someone else and not finding out for sure yourself is a really, really lazy way of teaching and besides the tests are made for the book and not the movie. Students get low scores when they do that. It sounds like you like being misinformed.

On 11/02/09, Jake wrote: > Sounds like your school staff needs to keep you in the loop if > they want a successful Reading program. 9 times out of 10 that is > the issue and yourself as a teacher are not given the tools you > need nor the communication you need to be successful. > > As for the watch a movie, take a test, I read somewhere that the > AR company actually will re-write quizzes once a movie comes out > so that students whom watch the movie cannot pass the test. > > > On 10/31/09, The RIGHT Carolyn wrote: >> I don't "HATE" it, I just don't see how it improves reading >> comprehension or motivation. >> >> Ironically, I just received an email from a parent upset with me >> over the AR report her child is getting. As a result of her >> student not "understanding" he was supposed to do AR this past >> quarter, he received a "not meeting goals" on his report card. >> >> Now, I READILY admit I did NOT tell him he was to be doing AR. I >> assumed he already knew what it was. See, that's the problem I am >> having. The person who is compiling the data and basically >> running the system did not inform me that I was actually "in >> charge" of the students reaching their goals. Hence, a new >> student to the school who didn't know a darn thing about AR went >> the entire quarter clueless about it (as was I) >> >> That's the reason why I do not like the way this system is set >> up. We are reading a novel in class and the students are fully >> comprehending this novel. THAT is more accurate of a >> comprehension measurement to me, as a teacher, than a software >> program with 22 questions in it. I don't understand how a student >> who gets an A from me in regards to the standard "demonstrates >> literal comprehension" in MY class, can fail that on an AR test. >> Does this make sense? >> >> I also had a student who took NUMEROUS AR tests, and failed MOST >> of them. So, she's not comprehending them either. Is it MY fault >> she's not comprehending books she's read independently? No, it is >> not. Is it my job to analyze the data and "fix" this problem? >> Yes, it is. Is that fair? No, it is not. >> >> I have been given NO guidance, except for my co teacher who went >> over the reports with me, on AR this past Friday. I have tried >> numerous times to access the information, but cannot even sign on >> to the system. Yet, I am being expected to monitor this and fix >> issues on books I haven't read myself? THAT is my overall issue I >> have with this. >> >> By the way, the parent told me that her child told her that a lot >> of the kids in my school are going to see the movie versions of >> the book, then taking AR tests for points. Since I consider this >> cheating, I consider this evidence that AR is not an accurate way >> to measure reading achievement. I can safely bet that many, many >> students across the country are doing that very same thing -- >> cheating by seeing the movie just for the sake of wracking up >> their point totals. >> >> Just my thoughts. >> >> On 9/28/09, Deb ms/IA wrote: >>> This was addressed to Carolyn it wasn't from Carolyn. >>> Carolyn has torn apart AR since her first post. Her school >>> is implementing AR incorrectly and Carolyn hates AR with a >>> passion and states that quiet often on this board. Instead >>> of making changes and using AR properly she just complains. >>> Sorry for the confusion on your part. It was meant to >>> address Carolyn and the fact I don't get all her whining. >>> >>> Deb ms/IA >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 9/26/09, I don't get you Carolyn wrote: >>>>>> 60 percent on any work isn't passing work in some >>>>>> grading scales. It doesn't matter if its a book >>>>>> talk on a book or any type of project on a book 60 >>>>>> percent isn't that great. >>>>>> >>>>>> Your ignorance/intolerance/anger with AR is >>>>>> showing. AR is not all about numbers nor is it >>>>>> about punishing kids. Please, you and your school >>>>>> need training on how to properly run AR. When you >>>>>> get that training, implement that training then >>>>>> come back and issue your opinions on AR. Until then >>>>>> stop your whining and complaining. Do something >>>>>> about the problem! >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 9/26/09, Carolyn wrote: >>>>>>> I think focusing on points instead of reading >>>>>>> enjoyment and comprehension is the wrong way to >>>>>>> look at learning. That makes it all about a >>>>>>> number to obtain, not the material from the book. >>>>>>> Kids at my school get punished for not making >>>>>>> their goals. This is not a motivating factor, >>>>>>> it's a punitive fear of failure. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I still don't get the whole point of AR. A book >>>>>>> is better understood by talking about it, not by >>>>>>> taking multiple choice tests. Ugh. >>>> >>> >>>

Sep 2, 2012

report post

Sheila Gi Gi, I hope this response was to Carolyn and not to me. I wrote my original question three years ago and Carolyn responded to my question. My issue has been resolved long ago. By the way, you'd be more helpful if you weren't calling other teachers lazy and gave some practical advice.

On 9/02/12, Gi GI wrote: > You as a teacher did no...See MoreGi Gi, I hope this response was to Carolyn and not to me. I wrote my original question three years ago and Carolyn responded to my question. My issue has been resolved long ago. By the way, you'd be more helpful if you weren't calling other teachers lazy and gave some practical advice.

On 9/02/12, Gi GI wrote: > You as a teacher did not know to tell a student they were supposed to > be working on a school wide assignment? You think it is unfair for > you to used data to determine what a student needs? That is what > teaching is about. If a student is not comprehending books on the > level that they are reading you are supposed to lower the level of > books that they are reading. If you think that the tests are based > off of movies you should read the book yourself and take the test. > Taking the word of someone else and not finding out for sure yourself > is a really, really lazy way of teaching and besides the tests are > made for the book and not the movie. Students get low scores when > they do that. It sounds like you like being misinformed. > > > On 11/02/09, Jake wrote: >> Sounds like your school staff needs to keep you in the loop if >> they want a successful Reading program. 9 times out of 10 that is >> the issue and yourself as a teacher are not given the tools you >> need nor the communication you need to be successful. >> >> As for the watch a movie, take a test, I read somewhere that the >> AR company actually will re-write quizzes once a movie comes out >> so that students whom watch the movie cannot pass the test. >> >> >> On 10/31/09, The RIGHT Carolyn wrote: >>> I don't "HATE" it, I just don't see how it improves reading >>> comprehension or motivation. >>> >>> Ironically, I just received an email from a parent upset with me >>> over the AR report her child is getting. As a result of her >>> student not "understanding" he was supposed to do AR this past >>> quarter, he received a "not meeting goals" on his report card. >>> >>> Now, I READILY admit I did NOT tell him he was to be doing AR. I >>> assumed he already knew what it was. See, that's the problem I am >>> having. The person who is compiling the data and basically >>> running the system did not inform me that I was actually "in >>> charge" of the students reaching their goals. Hence, a new >>> student to the school who didn't know a darn thing about AR went >>> the entire quarter clueless about it (as was I) >>> >>> That's the reason why I do not like the way this system is set >>> up. We are reading a novel in class and the students are fully >>> comprehending this novel. THAT is more accurate of a >>> comprehension measurement to me, as a teacher, than a software >>> program with 22 questions in it. I don't understand how a student >>> who gets an A from me in regards to the standard "demonstrates >>> literal comprehension" in MY class, can fail that on an AR test. >>> Does this make sense? >>> >>> I also had a student who took NUMEROUS AR tests, and failed MOST >>> of them. So, she's not comprehending them either. Is it MY fault >>> she's not comprehending books she's read independently? No, it is >>> not. Is it my job to analyze the data and "fix" this problem? >>> Yes, it is. Is that fair? No, it is not. >>> >>> I have been given NO guidance, except for my co teacher who went >>> over the reports with me, on AR this past Friday. I have tried >>> numerous times to access the information, but cannot even sign on >>> to the system. Yet, I am being expected to monitor this and fix >>> issues on books I haven't read myself? THAT is my overall issue I >>> have with this. >>> >>> By the way, the parent told me that her child told her that a lot >>> of the kids in my school are going to see the movie versions of >>> the book, then taking AR tests for points. Since I consider this >>> cheating, I consider this evidence that AR is not an accurate way >>> to measure reading achievement. I can safely bet that many, many >>> students across the country are doing that very same thing -- >>> cheating by seeing the movie just for the sake of wracking up >>> their point totals. >>> >>> Just my thoughts. >>> >>> On 9/28/09, Deb ms/IA wrote: >>>> This was addressed to Carolyn it wasn't from Carolyn. >>>> Carolyn has torn apart AR since her first post. Her school >>>> is implementing AR incorrectly and Carolyn hates AR with a >>>> passion and states that quiet often on this board. Instead >>>> of making changes and using AR properly she just complains. >>>> Sorry for the confusion on your part. It was meant to >>>> address Carolyn and the fact I don't get all her whining. >>>> >>>> Deb ms/IA >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> On 9/26/09, I don't get you Carolyn wrote: >>>>>>> 60 percent on any work isn't passing work in some >>>>>>> grading scales. It doesn't matter if its a book >>>>>>> talk on a book or any type of project on a book 60 >>>>>>> percent isn't that great. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Your ignorance/intolerance/anger with AR is >>>>>>> showing. AR is not all about numbers nor is it >>>>>>> about punishing kids. Please, you and your school >>>>>>> need training on how to properly run AR. When you >>>>>>> get that training, implement that training then >>>>>>> come back and issue your opinions on AR. Until then >>>>>>> stop your whining and complaining. Do something >>>>>>> about the problem! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 9/26/09, Carolyn wrote: >>>>>>>> I think focusing on points instead of reading >>>>>>>> enjoyment and comprehension is the wrong way to >>>>>>>> look at learning. That makes it all about a >>>>>>>> number to obtain, not the material from the book. >>>>>>>> Kids at my school get punished for not making >>>>>>>> their goals. This is not a motivating factor, >>>>>>>> it's a punitive fear of failure. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I still don't get the whole point of AR. A book >>>>>>>> is better understood by talking about it, not by >>>>>>>> taking multiple choice tests. Ugh. >>>>> >>>> >>>>

Sep 3, 2012

report post

Star testing

by gph

Sep 8, 2009

I am new to Star testing, and I've noticed that it times the students on the questions. Can anyone tell me more about this feature? Also, is STAR testing useful for first graders who are at the beginning stages of reading?

Comment

report post

Besides Renaissance Learning, is there another AR provider?

by Amy Nighbert

Sep 10, 2009

Our AR provider has restructured their fees making it impossible for a small school like ours to renew. Can anyone recommend an alternative provider?

Comment

report post

Student quizzes

by John Williams

Sep 11, 2009

I have AR 6.36 and wanted to know if there was a to remove all quizzes from one grade level.

Thanks

Comment

report post

Please help me understand the AR levels

by Tracy

Sep 11, 2009

OK, my 6th grade daughter's teacher wants her reading AR books at a 7th grade level or above, however, we (the teacher too) are confused on what exactly is the AR level. For many books there is a reading level, for example 7.4, but then the AR level is listed at a 5.6. So would that book be too easy for her or is it ok? We really don't understand w...See More

Comment

(8)

report post

view previous comments

CityTeacher Our library color codes the books too, but they are on carts based on colors. We have Kindergarteners who choose their own books, so they know to pick Purple. Several color levels are on each cart. No kid ever worries about carrying a book that's below their grade level- they all read on different color levels, and we never had a problem. Some kids...See MoreOur library color codes the books too, but they are on carts based on colors. We have Kindergarteners who choose their own books, so they know to pick Purple. Several color levels are on each cart. No kid ever worries about carrying a book that's below their grade level- they all read on different color levels, and we never had a problem. Some kids ask to move down a color because the books are easier or they like a particular author or series. Its FINE if they move a color up or down. As long as they read, who really cares? Geez, let them read what they like. I personally dont care if they are reading the back of the ceral box- as long as they are reading! We tend to micromanage and force books that they have no interest in reading, make them fill out long reading logs followed by a writing assignment.....no wonder the previous poster claimed that its "sucking the life" out of reading. This is just my opinion. I know there are teachers who feel that kids should be reading challenging or "frustration level" all the time, or they won't learn to read. I'm not one of those teachers. Reading should be fun. AR is not the only reading program- they still participate in the regularly scheduled "shared" and "guided" reading curriculums which are grade-level appropriate. AR is independent, enjoyment- reading only. If a 6th grader wants to read Dr. Suess, so be it! In my school, motivating a 6th grader to read anything is a feat in itself. The Lorax and the Butter Battle Book were written for adults anyway...they have hidden messages.

On 9/13/09, Ima Teacher wrote: > "Everybody is Wrong" is actually correct. > > There is more to picking a book than a readability level. You just have > to take into consideration the interest level. > > AR is not an easy program to understand or implement correctly. There > are many ways to choose books, but not all of them are the best way to do > so. The "basics" aren't all that complicated, but those kids who fall > outside the norms can be difficult to place in books and serve well. > > As far as color-coding the books or sorting them by "grade level", that's > not best practice. Imagine that you were a 7th grader who was reading > three years below grade level. It would be rather embarrassing to have > to go to the 4th grade book section or walk around carrying a 4th grade > book. And I've seen students who weren't able to use a library properly > because they thought the books were supposed to be organized by book > level. >

Sep 15, 2009

report post

Test Life Sucking, I feel sorry for your situation. Sad part is AR is not the issue here. The system and how you are using it seems to be the problem. I've never been a fan of forcing 1 system to students. Goals are just that. They are goals for students. Just like Grades. Shouldn't every student strive to get an A? The one nice things is that every stu...See MoreLife Sucking, I feel sorry for your situation. Sad part is AR is not the issue here. The system and how you are using it seems to be the problem. I've never been a fan of forcing 1 system to students. Goals are just that. They are goals for students. Just like Grades. Shouldn't every student strive to get an A? The one nice things is that every student can have a differnt goal. So if everyone is held to the same level, that would not be fair.

Sounds like you school is trying a standard that is hard to adjust to. Involves Reading and writing to further comprehension and using a standard and goals to ensure students follow thru with the system.

On 9/15/09, Life Sucking wrote: > My school is now implementing both AR goals and 100 > book challenge goals. > Kids are not only required to meet point goals, but > also log every 15 minute block of reading. And they > can't read for an hour and write "one > hour"...they have to log four separate 15 minute > slots, and get the "coach" to sign in on > that. It's sucking the life right out of our very best > readers, :( . > > On 9/13/09, Ima Teacher wrote: >> "Everybody is Wrong" is actually correct. >> >> There is more to picking a book than a readability >> level. You just have to take into consideration the >> interest level. >> >> AR is not an easy program to understand or implement >> correctly. There are many ways to choose books, but >> not all of them are the best way to do so. The >> "basics" aren't all that complicated, but >> those kids who fall outside the norms can be >> difficult to place in books and serve well. >> >> As far as color-coding the books or sorting them by >> "grade level", that's not best practice. >> Imagine that you were a 7th grader who was reading >> three years below grade level. It would be rather >> embarrassing to have to go to the 4th grade book >> section or walk around carrying a 4th grade book. And >> I've seen students who weren't able to use a library >> properly because they thought the books were supposed >> to be organized by book level. >>

Sep 16, 2009

report post

STAR test information

by teach4

Sep 11, 2009

Have read on here about the STAR test, but know nothing about it since our school doesn't have it. Does this help determine a chid's reading level? Could someone explain it a bit to me, or direct me to a place on the website to learn more about it? Thanks.

Comment

(2)

report post

Jack On 9/11/09, teach4 wrote: > Have read on here about the STAR test, but know nothing > about it since our school doesn't have it. Does this help > determine a chid's reading level? Could someone explain it > a bit to me, or direct me to a place on the website to > learn more about it? Thanks.

How I understand STAR is that a s...See More

Sep 16, 2009

report post

might be more than one? I think maybe there could be more than one test that is called the STAR test. I don't know about the one that Jack talked about. There is one in California--actually a whole battery of tests. The Calfornia STAR tests are standards based assessments given in the Spring that are used to assess how California students are doing academically. They are ...See More

Sep 16, 2009

report post

A.R.P. test for a reading grade?

by BethAnn

Sep 15, 2009

I was wondering what you guys think of using an A.R.P. test as a grade?

At the moment, I am requiring kids to take an A.R.P. test every two weeks because we visit the library every two weeks.

The deadline is posted on the board for the entire time; however, I usually have about 10-15 kids who haven't taken a test on the deadline d...See More

Comment

(4)

report post

view previous comments

Ima Teacher It depends on how you're using the grade.

When an entire class takes a test on the same book, then the test grade may be used as a regular class grade just like any other test.

If you are using it as a grade for independent reading in general on boosk that students choose, then there are only two grades that can get taken . . . pe...See More

Sep 16, 2009

report post

30 year vet On 9/15/09, BethAnn wrote: > I was wondering what you guys think of using an A.R.P. test > as a grade? > > At the moment, I am requiring kids to take an A.R.P. test > every two weeks because we visit the library every two > weeks. > > The deadline is posted on the board for the entire time; > however, I usually have about...See More

Sep 19, 2009

report post

7th-12th Grade AR club

by Strawberry4605

Sep 16, 2009

We currently use the AR program up to grade 6 and would like to start a 7th- 12th grade AR club. This would be completely optional for students and they would receive rewards once they reach certain point levels. I am wondering if anyone has a program like this in place and how yours works (what kind of rewards at what levels, etc.). Thanks!

Comment

report post