Accelerated Reader at Lincoln Elementary School Karin Woodruff 2007

Why A.R.? Increased Reading = Growth Guided independent reading practice accelerates reading growth for all students. Self-selected reading increases student motivation. Immediate quiz scores provide feedback. Reading success with A.R. produces increased reading achievement.

Keys to a Successful AR Program Ready access to a variety of literature. Large selection of levelized fiction and non-fiction texts. * L.E.S. library currently holds over 7,000 books with A.R. quizzes. * classrooms are well-equipped with levelized classroom libraries. Accelerated Reader quizzes to accompany library and classroom literature. Minimum of two networked computers per classroom.

Parent – School Partners Parents - important partners toward student achievement. At-home reading participation. Parents monitoring book exchanges.

S.T.A.R. Testing STARStandardized Test for Assessment of Reading Takes minutes Student “fills in the blank” – tests vocabulary more than comprehension. Example STAR test question: When the puppy first tried to walk, he looked ________. 1. lazy 2. difficult 3. curiousity 4. awkward. awkward

STAR Testing Students in Grades 2 – 5 take STAR computer literacy test at the end of each nine weeks. STAR test shows book level reading range for each child - Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). ZPD helps produce success, not frustration. Student Grade Equivalency scores help teachers set reading goals for each student.

L.E.S. Goal – Setting Chart Teachers use to set A.R. goals for each nine weeks. Based on STAR Grade Equivalency score. Goals may be different each nine weeks, as reading level progress.

How does Accelerated Reader work? It’s as easy as 1-2-3! 1.Select a book 2.Read a book 3. Take a quiz

Accelerated Reader Quizzes Students self-select books within ZPD. Students take A.R. computer quiz for each book read. Students earn points based on quiz scores. Students accumulate points toward personal point goal. School recognizes and celebrates student reading success.

L.E.S. Color Coded Book Levels Red0.1 – 1.9 Red Blue2.0 – 2.9 Blue Yellow3.0 – 3.9 Yellow Green4.0 – 4.9 Green Orange Orange Black6.0 – 6.9Black Lime Green7.0 and aboveLime Green

Accelerated Reader Benefits  Helps teachers motivate students to read more and better books  Monitors literature-based reading for all students  Provides immediate, individualized constructive feedback  Fosters a lifelong love of reading in students

A.R. Student Goals Teachers and students set A.R. goals according to L.E.S. goal- setting chart. Goals for each nine weeks are determined by S.T.A.R. test. Students must stay on their reading level (with some discretion) AND maintain at least 85% correct on quizzes.

Sample Student Participation Danny’s STAR - Grade Equivalent Score was 2.1 Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) for Danny is Danny’s A.R. point goal for the 1 st nine weeks is 9.5 points with 30 minutes of daily reading practice. Danny’s quiz average goal is 85%. Software tracks Danny’s progress by recording results of each quiz.

Rewards and Incentives Each student will receive a bracelet that says “L.E.S. Star Reader!” Each student who reaches their individual goal for the nine weeks receives a “hot charm” to attach to their bracelet.

A.R. “Challenge Goals” Each grade has a challenge goal for student to strive for. Students who meet their challenge goal by the end of the year will get to go on a field trip. 1st grade – 50 points 2nd grade – 70 points 3rd grade – 90 points 4th grade – 110 points 5th grade – 130 points

Why are goals lower than last year? We are using the guidelines set by the Renaissance Learning company, which is research based. We want students take their time when reading & NOT concentrate on reading a book quickly and taking a test just for points. Our goal is for students to read more for pleasure & to really COMPREHEND what they are reading.

“Challenge Goals” These goals must be met while staying on grade level & maintaining an average of 85% correct on A.R. tests. Last year we went to Beyond Imagination and had a blast!

Summer Reading Students who read for 20 minutes a day for 40 days this summer need to turn in their pledges and logs to their teacher. They will receive an additional hot charm for their bracelet. The points they earned during the summer will count towards their grade-level challenge goals.

Thank you so much for attending this session on Accelerated Reader! Please contact me if I can be of further assistance. Karin Woodruff Karin Woodruff