SCHOOL YEAR 2011/2012
WHAT is the Accelerated Reader Program?
It is an online program that allows students to practice reading ,and track their success in understanding what they have read. It is a motivational tool that allows monitoring of reading growth.
WHO participates?
Grades 1 st thru 5th participate in our Accelerated Reader Program.
WHERE can the students take quizzes?
Students may take quizzes in the classroom, in the Technology Lab, or in the Media Center. They may not take quizzes at home
WHEN can they take quizzes?
Only at school during the school hours of 7:30 to 3:00 pm. It is highly recommended that students take each book quiz as soon as they are finished reading the book.
WHAT are the quizzes like?
Using a user name and password your child will log on to the Renaissance Place website and take a quiz on a book they have just finished. Quizzes at the early grades usually are made up of from 5 to 10 questions. They are multiple choice questions, and the quizzes are timed.
Students are expected to conduct themselves while taking these quizzes as they would when taking any other test in school, they are not to share answers, takes tests for others, or take quizzes on books they have not read.
HOW may I stay informed on how my student is doing in the AR program?
At the beginning of the school year your student will be bringing home a handout that will inform you of the Home Connect website https://hosted135.renlearn.com/395043/HomeConnectwhich will allow you to check your student's goal progress, view what books he/she is reading, and even sign up to get an Email with results each time your child takes a quiz. You will need the student's user name & password provided in the handout.
HOW are goals set?
Goals for each student are set at the beginning of each marking period. Emphasis is placed on 85 % passing average or above. In addition, a goal is set for the number of points the student should earns each marking period.
Each student has their own individual goal . At the beginning of the school year the student is given an assessment test, STAR. The results of the test, plus the amount of time the student spends practicing reading determines the goal that is set out by the teacher. Each student will start out with a reading grade range, or zone, from which he/she should chose books. This zone recommends the readability levels that will challenge a student without causing frustration or loss of motivation.
The students will be tested in January again, and at the end of the school year to track progress make that school year.
READABILITY LEVELS & INTEREST LEVELS
Readability
The Holy Family library books that have an AR quiz have color* spine labels. The labels provide :reading level , points each book is worth,and the book quiz number:
Pink for Reading Levels up to grade level 2.9
Neon green for Reading grade levels 3.0 to 5.9
Yellow for Reading grade levels 6.0 and up.
Book points are determine by the length of the words and the length of the book. Points can vary from .5 to 50. The number of points a student earns tells you how much reading a student has done.
Interest Levels
Please be advised that interest level and reading level are not always compatible.
The readability level is about the difficulty of the text,the interest level is about the content and whether it's suitable for certain age groups and grades. (based on content(a book's themes and ideas)
Renaissance Learning uses the following interest levels to label appropriate titles for the different grades:-- (LG) K-3 , -- (MG) 4-8 --(MG+) 6 and up,-- (UG) 9-12
To check from any computer on the reading level, interest level, or points assigned to a book please go to http://www.arbookfind.com
INCENTIVES & REWARDS
With this program students derive instant feedback and reward when they see a successful quiz result. Most teachers have an added reward system in their classroom . Also, each marking period students who meet their goals will be acknowledged in the school's newsletter, and on the Campus Network News. In addition,at the end of the school year students grades 2 thru 5th who have met their goals for all four marking periods will be invited to attend an AR goals celebration.
Should you have any questions, or suggestions please contact me, ext.247, or Email me.
Mrs. Gibbs
Library/Media Center