ALL ABOUT THE AR PROGRAM
What is it? AR stands for Accelerated Reader. This is an individual reading program in which students read a library book and then take a computerized comprehension quiz based on the contents of the book. The program is a supplemental program to our Reading Curriculum.
Who is involved? Grades 1 – 8 participate in the program. Kindergarten classes come on board with the program sometime during the school year at the teacher’s discretion.
Is every All Saints library book an AR book? Almost all of our fiction titles and non-fiction titles have AR quizzes available. We purchase “quiz disks” to match the titles of the books we have in our library. Presently we have over 2,500 different quizzes for various books at different grade levels.
What are “levels” for the AR Program? Before the children begin the AR program they are given the “Star Literacy Test” on the computer. Depending on the number of questions answered correctly, an enjoyment reading level is determined.
What if my child’s AR level seems low for his/her scholastic abilities? We have to remember that the AR program is for reading for enjoyment. In fact, its whole purpose is to help develop a love of reading in the students. When we read for enjoyment, it is not the same as reading for the scholastic purposes of holding onto concepts and, then, building on the concepts. Most of the best selling adult fiction novels and the daily newspaper are written on approximately a sixth grade reading level!
Does my child stay at a level or does s/he move? After a child finishes a book, s/he will take the computer test on the book. The optimal score for a test is between 85%-92%. If a child is consistently getting above 92%, the book may be too easy or the content too short. It is probably a good idea for the teacher to move the child up I the level (e.g. 5.2 moves to 5.3, etc.)Conversely, if a child consistently scores below 85%, the level may be too hard and s/he needs to drop down in the level to achieve success (e.g. 3.4 moves to 3.3 until success is achieved).
What are A.R. Points? Each A.R. book has been assigned a point value. Based on the child’s percentage correct on the quiz, points are assigned. For example, a 2.2 level book may be worth 1 point. If the child scores an 80% on the quiz, s/he may receive .5 points. Points are determined by the number of words in the book, not by the difficulty.
What happens with AR Points? We will be having several incentives for the points. These will go along with our theme: “AR Reading Rocks”.
Challenges: As a school we will keep a running total of all accumulated points, grades 1 – 8. The principal and teachers will set a challenge, “if students reach _ (still to be decided) ___ points, we will have a “rock” concert featuring alumnae of our school who play in bands!”
Point Clubs: Monthly we will have an AR Point Club Day to recognize the progress of all students. We have various “point clubs” as described below. Each point club has a corresponding incentive. It should be understood that a 1st grader may only get to the 25 point club by the end of the year, whereas a 7th grades should progress much further. The points a child earns throughout the year are continuously accumulated from month to month.
5 points earned = Button is earned
10 points earned = Red ribbon is attached to the button and the child receives a “Reading Rocks” washable tattoo on Point Club Day
25 points earned = Black ribbon is added to the button and
Remind: Please make sure your child has an AR book checked out at all times and is showing you his/her reading log on a nightly basis. Remind your child to bring this book to school each morning so s/he will have it when the teacher allows “free” AR reading time.
the child receives a soda on Point Club Day
50 points earned = Green ribbon is added and the child receives a “Dress Down Pass” on Point Club Day
75 points earned = Orange ribbon is added and the child receives a candy bar
100 points earned = Purple ribbon is added and the child has a helium balloon tied to his her chair for the day
150 points earned = White ribbon is added and the child receives a “grab bag”
200 points earned = Blue ribbon is added and the child receives an ice cream and “Dress Down” and “No Homework” passes
250 points earned = Pink ribbon is added and the child will go to lunch off campus with Ms. Keilty
Following the 250 point club, the child starts over on a “second lap.” In addition, homeroom teachers may also have classroom incentives.
What is the Parent/Guardian role in the AR program? The answer is easy, READ WITH YOU CHILDREN), encourage the program, monitor your child’s progress through his/her “reading log,” and ask us questions when or if you do not understand something. Please address your AR questions to any member of our AR committee through e-mail or a note: Laurie Young, Tricia Radeke, Amy Haberkorn, Amanda Brase, Christen Tighe, Debbie Goheen, and Rae Ann Keilty.
KEYS to the SUCCESS of this program
Reading Time: We are striving to give each child, 1 – 8, reading time during each school day. In addition, your child(ren) MUST be reading at home as well. If reading is the most important academic life skill needed, we must make time in our busy families for it to flourish!
Computer Time for Quiz taking: Each classroom is equipped with one or two computers for taking quizzes. Upon completion of their book and with the teacher’s permission, students may take quizzes in their homeroom between 7:30 and 7:45 each morning. There are other times throughout the day for students to take quizzes in the classrooms, in the computer learning center, or in the library.
Books: We are continually striving to purchase additional AR books and computer quizzes. In addition, we strongly encourage parents to use the public library. The Spencer Library has our AR list and we will get it to other libraries if you will tell us what libraries you use. Encourage your child to read carefully and thoughtfully.
If a child does not pass a test, the program does not allow the child to be re-tested on the same book.
Volunteer: Talk to your child’s homeroom teacher about being trained in helping students take AR quizzes. S/he would greatly appreciate your help in the morning before school and/or whatever other time can be mutually agreed upon.
Remind: Please make sure your child has an AR book checked out at all times and is showing you his/her reading log on a nightly basis. Remind your child to bring this book to school each morning so s/he will have it when the teacher allows “free” AR reading time.
Books: We are continually striving to purchase additional AR books and computer quizzes. In addition, we strongly encourage parents to use the public library. The Spencer Library has our AR list and we will get it to other libraries if you will tell us what libraries you use. Encourage your child to read carefully and thoughtfully.
If a child does not pass a test, the program does not allow the child to be re-tested on the same book.
Volunteer: Talk to your child’s homeroom teacher about being trained in helping students take AR quizzes. S/he would greatly appreciate your help in the morning before school and/or whatever other time can be mutually agreed upon.