This Year S Accelerated Reader Theme Will Show Off the Great Readers at Camargo! What Is

Saddle Up

and

Read!!

This year’s Accelerated Reader theme will show off the great readers at Camargo! What is AR? AR is a motivational reading program that we use in hopes of instilling a love of reading in our students, exposing them to a variety of authors and genres, and rewarding them for their reading efforts. After a student reads a book, he or she will take a test on the computer over the book. The test consists of 5 to 10 multiple choice questions. The student receives points for passing the test and then tries to accumulate a set amount of points (their AR goal).

Student’s goals are set using the AR Goal-Setting Chart. The chart provides guidelines for the approximate number of AR points children should be able to earn depending on how much time they read and their individual reading level. Your child’s reading level is determined from the results of the STAR Reading Test. STAR Reading is a computerized reading assessment that uses computer-adaptive technology. To meet their goal and qualify for the AR prizes, students must have an 80% or better accuracy.

Parents can access their child’s AR goal, AR accuracy and what books their child has tested on by using Renaissance Home Connect.

More info at

Parents, thank you for your support in our efforts to produce lifelong readers. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher or the librarian Nikki Henderson.

Saddle Up

and

Read!!

Note: The dates listed above are subject to change due to scheduling or inclement weather. A notice will be sent home with students informing parents of the change.

The Saddle Up Club

Details, Details, Details

Percentages

Your percentage correct on book tests must be 80% or better, so slow down and enjoy the books you read. The company that created AR believes that children must make 80% or higher on every test in their reading range in order to make gains in reading.

Book Levels

Does a 2.5 book level mean 2nd grader in the 5 month? Not exactly, this is strictly readability, not developmental. This is why I strongly support allowing children who are remarkable readers to still read at their grade level. AR recommends that they read broadly, not up. If a child is reading above his/her grade level, then they will be allowed to read books from their grade level up to their highest level. For example, a child in 4th grade whose reading level is 5.2-5.8 will be able to read and test on books 4.0-5.8. Or, a child in 2nd grade whose reading level is 3.1-4.2 will be able to read and test on books 2.0-4.2. We must remember to help children select books which are developmentally appropriate.

Points

Points are based on length or word count, which is believed to reflect “engaged time”, not associated with how “worthy” a book is.

Goals

Students will take a reading test on the computer called the Star test. The teachers will then look at the results and use a chart developed by AR to establish a goal. Teachers will make adjustments as needed.

Reading Range

The Star test will give a recommended ZPD (zone of proximal development) for each child. A child’s ZPD should equal the level of practice that fosters the most growth. Too easy = no growth, too hard = frustration If a child’s average is 85%, that means the student is in the right zone. An average of 90% correct or higher is associated with the greatest growth.

Practice

AR recommends 30 min. of daily reading practice for elementary students.