Teacher Web Sites: Reading Teacher: Accelerated Reading at PGS

Accelerated Reader

Now Online at Pawnee CUSD #11

Diana Doglio

The Accelerated Reader Program was designed to encourage students to read self-selected fictional and non-fictional texts at a reading level with which they can experience success; it also checks basic comprehension. How is this accomplished? At the beginning of each year, students in grades two through eight take the STAR Reading test. *First graders will take the assessment second semester. Results from the assessment indicate a student's independent reading level and a reading range is designated. Once students know their reading range, they can easily find books to check out within that range, so that they will not be reading at a frustrational level. Our goal is to instill a love of reading while at the same time improving reading; research supports this growth is best accomplished by promoting wide reading at an independent level with high interest text.

After reading books, students log on to AR at Renaissance Place and take a test. Five to twenty questions about the book's setting, characters, plot, and main events are asked, followed by four answers in a multiple choice format. A printout is available with the student's score on the test, as well as data outlining quarterly and yearly progress; most teachers send these home for you to view. Take a Sample Quiz here.

Pawnee CUSD #11, with the help of our outstanding PTO, has purchased an online license from Renaissance Learning, which offers over 120,000 quizzes. The system only allows students to take tests at school, though you can find the login page from your home computer. A new feature this year is the availability of Vocabulary and Literacy quizzes for many, but not all books. Parents can view their child's Reading Records online at Home Connect. If you are not already set up, contact Mrs. Cline, our principal and a User Name and Password will be issued to you so that you can access your child's reading records from any computer with an Internet connection.

Home Connect will work with any of these browsers:
Internet Explorer 6.02 or later
Firefox 1.5 or later
Safari 2.0.03 or later

*Once on Home Connect you can also sign up to receive e-mails showing your child's quiz or test results. A Help feature on the site provides answers to your questions about Home Connect, should you have any.

Another exciting feature available for your convenience is the AR Book Finder. You can easily find out if books from your home collection have an online quiz that your child is able take at school. Simply type in the name of the book at the link above, search, and you will have the information you need. It is also a great way to find out the reading level of selections in your child's home library. In addition, you will see the letters LG--Lower Grades, MG--Middle, or UG--Upper, indicating the interest level of the books.You may have noticed the blue button to the right of this article; it will take you directly to AR Book Finder.

For more details and a variety of pertinent information, visit the Accelerated Reader page at Renaissance Learning. You can also see how many quizzes are being taken by students all over the world with their real-time automated counter. During the day, the number changes at an extremely fast pace; it's rewarding to know Pawnee students are doing their part to help Literacy and the number GROW!

Accelerated Reading & STAR at Renaissance Learning

Various incentives are offered for students who read AR books, take quizzes, and attain a score average of at least 85%, such as Ice Cream Sunday and Skating Parties. Quiz points are also used to purchase awesome prizes at the AR Store, ran by wonderful parent volunteers. (Prize Donations Welcome) Check out the chart below to see Certificate Levels our students work toward.

10 Points	Independent Reader Grades 1 & 2
15 Points	Super Reader Grades 1 & 2
25 Points	Advanced Reader Grades 1 - 3
35 Points	Fabulous Reader
50 Points	Star Reader
75 Points	Outstanding Reader
100 Points	Super Star Reader Grades 1 - 6

Visitors are welcome to attend our end-of-the-month assemblies. AR and other awards are presented and student talent is showcased at the monthly event. To find out the date and time, visit the School Calendar or call the grade school office at 625-2231.

In addition, our PTO has in the past, funded a trip to Barnes & Noble at the
end of the school year for those who meet the following qualifications:
Grades 1 - 2: 75 Points; 80% Quiz Average or Higher
Grade 3: 75 Points; 85% Quiz Average or Higher
Grades 4 - 6: 100 Points; 85% Quiz Average or Higher
Students are given cash to purchase self-selected books, and a delicious free lunch, all on school time!

Teacher Tip Library: Some Great Ideas

Parents & Grandparents: You might want to offer your own positive reinforcement for reading done outside of school. Feel free to share your ideas, as well as to express your opinions and suggestions concerning AR; we welcome your input.

What Kids are Reading