Students will have an AR reading goal for each quarter. This is individualized for each student based on their reading ability as determined by the STAR test given in September and January. The goal is arrived at by use of a chart in the program and assumes 30 minutes of independent AR reading per day. Part of your child's homework assignment is to independently read 2 1/2 hours per week. I usually will give at least half of this time in class. AR reading is only used to verify the thirty minutes. If a student comes reasonably close to the AR reading goal, AR reading will not affect the reading grade one way or the other. If the student falls significantly short of the goal (such as earning only 50% of the goal), the reading grade will be lowered by 1/3 of a grade (B- to C+ for example). If a student earns no points at all, it will affect the reading grade by one whole grade. If the student significantly surpasses the reading goal, it will be considered extra credit work and increase the reading grade.

I post AR reading results weekly on Friday. The report shows not only the amount of points, but the percentage of the goal.

I try to run the AR reading program as it was intended by the software developer. That means that the student will be blocked from reading books far below or far above his or her reading level. Students will have a target reading level with the focus being on increasing the reading level of the child. I do not compete with other classes over points. I think that is counterproductive. I do not read high level books to the class to increase our class points. I believe these things increase cheating on tests and serve no academic purpose whatsoever.

There is an exception to the blocked reading level. If you read chapter books with your child at home, you can send me a note, and I will override the block for that particular book. As long as I know the vocabulary and content were explained, I know the reading time wasn't wasted. Pleae make sure that your child asks me BEFORE time for the test!