Read Like a Rock Star!!!

This year’s Accelerated Reader theme will show off the Rockin’Readers at Montgomery County Intermediate School!

What is Accelerated Reader? Accelerated Reader(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).

How are Goals Set? Student’s goals are set using the AR Goal-Setting Chart.The chart provides guidelines for the approximate number of AR points children should beable 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 MAP Reading Test. The MAP test was administered at the end of last year using a computer. To meet their goal and qualify for the AR prizes, students must have an 80% or better accuracy.

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 Amy Givens.

Read Like a Rock Star!!!

Reward / Beginning of Nine Weeks / Last day of the Nine Weeks
2nd
9 wks
Goal / Funky Friends Party
(Songify & Guitar Hero on the IPADS) / October 16, 2012 / Last day to test-
Friday, Dec. 20
3rd
9 wks
Goal
4th
9 wks
Goal / Read & Write Like a Rock Star
(Write your own comic book or graphic novel)
Record Breaking Fun Games
(Obstacle course/Minute to Win it) / January 3rd, 2013
March 9th, 2013 / Last day to test-
March 8th
Last day to test-
May 14th (or 1 week before school is out)

Note: The dates listed above are subject to change due to scheduling conflicts, adjustments, or inclement weather.

The Rock Star Readers Club

5 Point Club /
Guitar Pencil
10 Point Club / Guitar Bookmark
25 Point Club / Guitar Pick Necklaces
50 Point Club / Rock Star Reader
Picture on Bulletin Board
75 Point Club / Rockin’ Good Read
(Book--Student Choice)
100 Point Club /
Pop Star Award
Privilege of getting to drink a pop in class
150 Point Club /
Reading Plaque
200 Point Club / T-shirt
Top 10 Readers / Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate

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 5th grade whose reading level is 6.2-6.8 will be able to read and test on books 5.0-6.8. We must remember to help children select books which are developmentally appropriate. Children should read books most of the time in their zone of proximal development (ZPD), but they may occasionally choose books at a lower level.

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 students.