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Accelerated Reader Chatboard

Does anyone have a response to this?

by Marie

Sep 1, 2011

This is part of an email a parent sent me who disputes the effectiveness of AR. I have used it for years in my classroom and have found it to be very successful. How would you respond to this? "...In AR, students are given mindless multiple-choice quizzes after they finish each book, and if they pass these quizzes, they are awarded points. Earn enough points and they progress to higher-level books in the program.In AR, the good news is that students read a lot of books.The bad news? Students can only read books found on the AR list. If a good book is not on the list, students are not allowed to read it. Students choose books for high point value, rather than for their level ofinterest. The reward system sends the message that the reason students should read is not to enjoy reading but to earn points. Students are taught to read for the wrong reasons. Chenowith (2001) found that although students did a significant amount of reading in the program, their reading dropped lower than nonpar...See More

Sara Wow. Well, the good news is this is an involved and caring parent. The reality is - you're not going to throw over a program you like and believe in because one parent writes in against it even if in a seemingly very informed and thought-provoking way.

So how to respond? It's rather strange that we have these intense discussions by e-mail ...See MoreWow. Well, the good news is this is an involved and caring parent. The reality is - you're not going to throw over a program you like and believe in because one parent writes in against it even if in a seemingly very informed and thought-provoking way.

So how to respond? It's rather strange that we have these intense discussions by e-mail but I do it too and I admit I MUCH prefer to have them by e-mail. So here's what I'd say in an e-mail back.

Thank you so much for your e-mail and for the time you put in to researching AR. I would certainly agree that no program in any subject proves to be a perfect one but in my ____ 10? 20?years here at Coolidge School, I have found AR to be effective - even given the deficiencies it may have.

Your critique, however, is well taken but I would you ask to bear in mind the number of students I have and the very wide range of reading abilities that are yet put together in one classroom. I try to cast the widest net...and find AR is a huge help in casting that wide net and helping the children become stronger readers.

Let me also say though that any student is of course free and very welcome to read any book!! I do want them to read the books on the AR list of course but your John may certainly and should certainly also read to his interests. Every child should be reading at home every night in books they have chosen for themself.

I will certainly continue to think about the points you raise and discuss them with our reading specialist and our Principal. And I hope you will continue to bring your concerns to me and please let John know, I would be happy if he wants to make presentations to the class on his independent reading or at any time make time to discuss his independent reading with me. Your e-mail also serves as a wonderful reminder to me to make a point of discussing with the class what I personally am currently reading and thus to always model for them that reading is a life long pursuit and a life long pleasure.

Again, sincere thanks for your interest and a thought-provoking e-mail. Sara Jones

> Students are taught to read for the wrong reasons. > Chenowith (2001) found that although students did a > significant amount of reading in the program, their reading > dropped lower than nonparticipants within one month of > exiting AR.Without the points, their motivation > significantly decreased. Pavonetti, Brimmer, and > Cipielewski (2002/2003) found that once students left AR > they read on average ten hours a week less than > nonparticipants. The program had short-term success but > actually set young readers back in the long run." > > > >

Sep 2, 2011

Oklahoma Teacher I actually completely agree with the parent's opinion. I believe we should encourage learning, growth, and development without the use of punishment or rewards. Children need to learn autonomy. I am a strong believer in the majority of Piaget's theories (he did many studies about this). My entire ECE grad program was based on his ideas. Everyday in...See More

Sep 9, 2011

Queen of AR I always point out that AR is only a small part of a complete reading program. It is ONLY for basic independent reading comprehension in most cases. When we read a book as a class, we also include literacy skills quizzes and vocabulary quizzes, which test deeper than basic comprehension. Parents often try to argue that AR is THE reading program. It...See More

Sep 10, 2011

Okie Media Specialist My honest opinion: If schools/classrooms used the success rates (% correct of comprehension on quizzes-check a student TOPS report the for the school year section) rather than points the parent would more than likely not object to the use of the program. Students will progress better/faster (fluency/vocabulary will increase as well as their zpd mov...See MoreMy honest opinion: If schools/classrooms used the success rates (% correct of comprehension on quizzes-check a student TOPS report the for the school year section) rather than points the parent would more than likely not object to the use of the program. Students will progress better/faster (fluency/vocabulary will increase as well as their zpd moving upward) if their success rates are at 85% or higher based on selecting books within their zpd range using Star Reading Assessment. Points are just part of the total program. Points tell a teacher (and student) they are reading their 30 or 35 minutes (or however minutes) per day according the the AR calculator. Found at: [link removed]

I hope the parent was satisfied with the answer you gave them.

Okie Media Specialist

On 9/01/11, Marie wrote: > This is part of an email a parent sent me who disputes the > effectiveness of AR. I have used it for years in my > classroom and have found it to be very successful. How > would you respond to this? > "...In AR, students are given mindless multiple-choice > quizzes after they finish each book, and if they pass these > quizzes, they are awarded points. Earn enough points and > they progress to higher-level books in the program.In AR, > the good news is that students read a lot of books.The bad > news? Students can only read books found on the AR list. If > a good book is not on the list, students are not allowed to > read it. Students choose books for high point value, rather > than for their level ofinterest. The reward system sends > the message that the reason students should read is not to > enjoy reading but to earn points. > Students are taught to read for the wrong reasons. > Chenowith (2001) found that although students did a > significant amount of reading in the program, their reading > dropped lower than nonparticipants within one month of > exiting AR.Without the points, their motivation > significantly decreased. Pavonetti, Brimmer, and > Cipielewski (2002/2003) found that once students left AR > they read on average ten hours a week less than > nonparticipants. The program had short-term success but > actually set young readers back in the long run." > > > >

Oct 3, 2011

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