AR Policy for D.M. Smith Middle School
Each nine week period, each student will be administered the STAR test to determine his or her ZPD range. The student should choose, read, and take tests on books in their ZPD range for the Accelerated Reading Program.
The goal points for the nine weeks are determined by the ZPD range and the amount of time students are expected to read. The reading point goal should be met by the end of the nine week period.
Students will be expected to read 20 minutes daily (All students will have some time provided in class to read and will be expected to read for homework). Because of the amount of reading required in the upper level reading books, some students will need to read more at home and keep a log of that reading.
Every student is to keep an accurate reading log at school. The reading log will be checked periodically by the reading/language arts teacher.
When a child has finished reading a book, he or she will be given an opportunity to take the AR test at school. In order to receive full credit (all the points) for a book, the student must score at least 85% on the AR test.
Teachers will give frequent feedback to the students about their AR progress. Parents can log on to https://hosted202.renlearn.com/89418/HomeConnect/ to see scores and progress towards the student’s preset goals.
Two G2 grades will be given each nine week period in reading/language arts for the AR program. The comprehension rate grade is determined when the student takes a test after completing a book. This average may change as the student completes a book and takes an AR test. This should always be at least 85%. This grade is not recorded daily or weekly. It will be recorded at the end of the nine week period.
The participation grade will be for the participation or progress towards the predetermined goal. This average will be determined by how many points the student earns vs. the goal. For example, if the student had a point goal of 10 points, then he or she will receive 100% if he or she earns 10 points (or more) by the end of the nine week period. If the student earns any points less than 10, he or she will be given the percentage of points earned for the nine week period. If the student is in the middle of a long book that is worth several points, this might not be seen from week to week, but it will be as he or she finishes the book. Progress to 100% should be met by the end of the nine week period. The grade for this will not and cannot be determined until the end of the nine week period.
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Signature of Student Date
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Signature of Parent or Guardian Date
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Signature of Teacher Date