Speaking as a parent, teacher, and future LMS:
I like AR. I think it is a great addition to our literacy program in our school.
However, it should not be an end all type of thing. While students want to know if
books are AR, and you have those that do not read anything other than books that
can be tested, I emphasize to students that there are a lot of books out there that
are NOT AR that should be read! We've had this debate in my LMS class this
semester (along with a similar program: Reading Counts). It seems that the
schools that use AR as a grade, that require students to have so many points per
week or face punishment...yes, THOSE are the students being turned off of reading,
that begin to resent and even hate to read.
As a teacher, I see many different reading levels in my classroom. I see some
students reading Gary Paulson while others struggle through Henry and Mudge.
What they all share is AR. They tend to feel equal as they rush over to the
computer and take the quiz on the book they completed. Yes, our school does offer
incentives mid year and end of the year if students make a certain goal. Some
students are VERY into that. Others, not so much, but they enjoy using the
computer as a tool. It's more of being a "game show contestant" to them than a
comprehension tool. As a teacher, yes, it's nice to see how students are doing
comprehending their free reading. (Much simpler than trying to check a journal
each week with summaries of what was read, not to mention much easier for
students!) It's not a grade in our school, though. It shouldn't be.
I agree that it needs to be updated. While I realize there is an audio feature
available (which, for my lower students, I would LOVE to see our school purchase!),
it would be nice if it was a bit snazzier.
In our LMC, students can check out 2 books in 3-5 and 1 book in K-2. Most times
these are AR. I see several older readers check out simpler books, only to be
returned the next day or even later that day because they are done and have passed
the quiz. If it is encouraging them to read, why not AR? And for those that don't
need the motivation, nor want it and want to read what they want to read...no
problem with that either! Again, as long as it's used as a tool, a supplement or
bonus to your literacy program, what's the harm in a little game show magic? I
guess it's all in the way your district, your school implements the program.
Chrissy Youel
LMS to be/fourth grade teacher
Louisa VA
cyouel@peoplepc.com
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