A Parent/Student Guide to Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader is used by teachers K-6 in Bedford. For 6th grade students, 10% of the reading grade will be based on the cumulative comprehension score and another 10% will be based on the percentage the of completed goal. This is standard for all 6th-grade students.
Contrary to belief, the AR Goal is not just an arbitrary number. The AR program has a formula that takes into account the following factors and generates a goal. The student and I also meet (as time permits) to discuss this goal to make sure it will be challenging enough to cause growth.
Goals are based on a number of factors;
1. The student’s reading level is determined by a Rigby Assessment and a Read Theory informational Comprehension Test (The higher the level, the higher the goal.)
2. An expectation of 9 weeks of reading (1st Quarter is based on 6 weeks due to getting acclimated to the grade level, pretesting for all subjects, and initial goal conferences and Rigby testing which is done one-on-one.
3. Approximately 45 minutes of daily independent reading (30 school/15 home, Monday through Friday, plus 60 min. on Saturday and Sunday)
4. Prior A.R. goals in 5th grade or in previous quarters as the 6th grade year progresses. These are not set in stone and are revisted at the mid term to discuss how reading practice is going.
Reading conferences are held with each child to discuss an appropriate number of points to challenge students while not causing them to feel overwhelmed. If a goal does not challenge you, it will not change you as a reader.
Making the AR Goal is not the focus. Becoming a better reader is ! Setting a goal just ensures that students read enough to practice strategies. If you want to be good at something, you must do it repeatedly. Students in my class are expected to read 4.5 hours total each week (Monday - Sunday). Most kids spend more face time with electronics or at team practices than this. Which skill do you value more - the ability to throw a curve ball or a the ability to read and comprehend at a high level?
AR is not fool-proof. It is just a tool that assists teachers and parents in monitoring students' reading habits. Support is needed in keeping track of their data. Titles of books, genres, testing dates, comprehension scores on individual tests and averages are just a few of the many pieces of data we can study. Without this tool, it would be extremely difficult, as children are not as adept at keeping this information organized and accurate.
It is possible for students to earn points in a number of ways without actually reading. This usually negatively impacts the comprehension score as only a few questions are typically answered correctly. The following is not permitted while utilizing the Accelerated Reader Program.
1. Taking tests over previously read books is not permitted. Students are tested on four separate assessments to determine an approximate reading level. Pretests mark the starting point for the student to begin reading new material and practicing strategies taught in class. At the end of the quarter, post-tests are administered to analyze growth.Testing on a book read in previous years (K-5) factors into the score on the pretest. That score represents all reading and learning you have done up until that date. Daily reading and strategy practice completed after the pretest impact the post- test at the end of the nine weeks.
2. Testing on a book (you have not read) that is also a movie you have watched is not permitted. This does not constitute reading and will make the scores invalid. Doing so does not show your ability to decode and comprehend text. Analogy - If you were training for a marathon, would watching a movie about running provide the same results as actually going out and running 8 miles each day?
3. Taking tests over books that were read to you by a former teacher is not permitted. Once again, listening to a book and testing on it will reflect your listening comprehension, not your reading ability. Listening comprehension is typically higher than reading comprehension. I will often recommend listening to online books for struggling readers for this reason. However, the AR test must be checked off as "Read To" to let me know that you received support to earn the score.
4. Taking tests on nonfiction books you have not read, but have background knowledge on, is not permitted. If you didn't read it, it is not helping you become a better reader.
5. Reading below your zone is not permitted unless I approve the book before you read it and enter a special password. In the event the AR program is not working properly, do not take a test on a book that is not in your zone even if the AR program allows it. Reading below your zone on a regular basis will not challenge you enough to make progress.
6. Sharing of answers, taking tests for someone else, or testing while having an online book open or a hard copy present is not permitted.
This will be the last year of having an actual reading class that is separate from writing and language instruction, so it will be extremely important that students are reading at least at a 6th grade level by the end of school year. Parents are strongly encouraged to register for Renaissance Home Connect to receive text messages whenever the students takes a test. Scores, book titles, point accumulations, and comprehension averages are all provided for you if you want the information to help your child succeed.
Accelerated Reader is used by teachers K-6 in Bedford. For 6th grade students, 10% of the reading grade will be based on the cumulative comprehension score and another 10% will be based on the percentage the of completed goal. This is standard for all 6th-grade students.
Contrary to belief, the AR Goal is not just an arbitrary number. The AR program has a formula that takes into account the following factors and generates a goal. The student and I also meet (as time permits) to discuss this goal to make sure it will be challenging enough to cause growth.
Goals are based on a number of factors;
1. The student’s reading level is determined by a Rigby Assessment and a Read Theory informational Comprehension Test (The higher the level, the higher the goal.)
2. An expectation of 9 weeks of reading (1st Quarter is based on 6 weeks due to getting acclimated to the grade level, pretesting for all subjects, and initial goal conferences and Rigby testing which is done one-on-one.
3. Approximately 45 minutes of daily independent reading (30 school/15 home, Monday through Friday, plus 60 min. on Saturday and Sunday)
4. Prior A.R. goals in 5th grade or in previous quarters as the 6th grade year progresses. These are not set in stone and are revisted at the mid term to discuss how reading practice is going.
Reading conferences are held with each child to discuss an appropriate number of points to challenge students while not causing them to feel overwhelmed. If a goal does not challenge you, it will not change you as a reader.
Making the AR Goal is not the focus. Becoming a better reader is ! Setting a goal just ensures that students read enough to practice strategies. If you want to be good at something, you must do it repeatedly. Students in my class are expected to read 4.5 hours total each week (Monday - Sunday). Most kids spend more face time with electronics or at team practices than this. Which skill do you value more - the ability to throw a curve ball or a the ability to read and comprehend at a high level?
AR is not fool-proof. It is just a tool that assists teachers and parents in monitoring students' reading habits. Support is needed in keeping track of their data. Titles of books, genres, testing dates, comprehension scores on individual tests and averages are just a few of the many pieces of data we can study. Without this tool, it would be extremely difficult, as children are not as adept at keeping this information organized and accurate.
It is possible for students to earn points in a number of ways without actually reading. This usually negatively impacts the comprehension score as only a few questions are typically answered correctly. The following is not permitted while utilizing the Accelerated Reader Program.
1. Taking tests over previously read books is not permitted. Students are tested on four separate assessments to determine an approximate reading level. Pretests mark the starting point for the student to begin reading new material and practicing strategies taught in class. At the end of the quarter, post-tests are administered to analyze growth.Testing on a book read in previous years (K-5) factors into the score on the pretest. That score represents all reading and learning you have done up until that date. Daily reading and strategy practice completed after the pretest impact the post- test at the end of the nine weeks.
2. Testing on a book (you have not read) that is also a movie you have watched is not permitted. This does not constitute reading and will make the scores invalid. Doing so does not show your ability to decode and comprehend text. Analogy - If you were training for a marathon, would watching a movie about running provide the same results as actually going out and running 8 miles each day?
3. Taking tests over books that were read to you by a former teacher is not permitted. Once again, listening to a book and testing on it will reflect your listening comprehension, not your reading ability. Listening comprehension is typically higher than reading comprehension. I will often recommend listening to online books for struggling readers for this reason. However, the AR test must be checked off as "Read To" to let me know that you received support to earn the score.
4. Taking tests on nonfiction books you have not read, but have background knowledge on, is not permitted. If you didn't read it, it is not helping you become a better reader.
5. Reading below your zone is not permitted unless I approve the book before you read it and enter a special password. In the event the AR program is not working properly, do not take a test on a book that is not in your zone even if the AR program allows it. Reading below your zone on a regular basis will not challenge you enough to make progress.
6. Sharing of answers, taking tests for someone else, or testing while having an online book open or a hard copy present is not permitted.
This will be the last year of having an actual reading class that is separate from writing and language instruction, so it will be extremely important that students are reading at least at a 6th grade level by the end of school year. Parents are strongly encouraged to register for Renaissance Home Connect to receive text messages whenever the students takes a test. Scores, book titles, point accumulations, and comprehension averages are all provided for you if you want the information to help your child succeed.