Accelerated Reader FAQ BMS Open House September 27, 2012
What is AR (Accelerated Reader)? Each child takes a computerized test (STAR Test) at the start of the year to determine his/her reading level. Once the reading level is determined, each child is given a reading range. You will notice that the reading range is slightly below the child's reading level in order to insure the child's comfort level while reading is appropriate. 2
What is AR (Accelerated Reader)? Students will then be allowed to check out books in their reading range over which they may test. Each child will have an individualized goal based on his/her reading level. The reading level will dictate how many points your child will need to obtain each six weeks 3
How will AR affect my child's grade? Each child will receive two scores for AR over a 6 week period. One score worth 100 points will come from how many points the student earns based on his/her goals. The second 100 points will come from his/her comprehension of the book as shown by a computerized test. The two scores will become ten percent of the student's Language Arts grade. EX: If a student does not earn any AR points or take tests, their 93% A will drop to an 83% B. 4
Can my child read and test over books above or below his/her grade level? No. Each child has a reading range based on research done by the Accelerated Reader company. Students must ask their Language Arts teacher for permission to read and test on a book that is outside their reading range. EX: A student s range is 4.3-7.0 and they want to read a book that is 4.0. They must get permission. 5
Does my child have to use the reading log? Yes. Each student is required to keep a reading log for each book read. EACH time he/she reads, an adult must sign stating that he/she has been reading the book; not just one time once the book is complete. The student must present the log to the teacher and librarian prior to testing. Students will NOT be allowed to test without a current reading log. 6
(7 th & 8 th Grade Classes) What is the difference between the Nightly Reading Sheet and the reading log? The Nightly Reading Sheet used in 7 th & 8 th grade Language Arts classes is a homework assignment which includes a summary/reflection that is turned in at the end of each week. This is to further promote and encourage reading. When your child reads for their nightly homework, they should record their reading on BOTH the Nightly Reading Sheet and their reading log. 7
How can I find out the titles of the books that my child may read? Our school librarian, Mrs. Kuhn, has put the titles, authors and reading levels on the school web page. The address for the web page is http://franklin.kyschools.us/library mediacenter3413.aspx. Paul Sawyier Library also has a binder for our school with this information. 8
Can my child ever go up or down in his/her reading level? Yes. First, a student who scores three consecutive 100s on the comprehension tests may move up a reading level. These books must be at the upper end of the child s reading range. Likewise, a child may drop in reading levels if he/she fails three or more consecutive tests. 9
Can my child ever go up or down in his/her reading level? Secondly, the student may retest his/her reading level to achieve a higher score. Students need to notify their language arts teacher if they receive three consecutive 100s on the comprehension tests. 10
How will I know my child's reading level and the number of points needed each six weeks? Your child has been given their reading range and number of points needed each six weeks. If your child has lost or misplaced this information you may contact their Language Arts teacher. 11
When can my child take AR tests? Once your child has a completed reading log, they must get their reading log signed by their Language Arts teacher receiving permission to test. Students may test on the student computers in the Language Arts classrooms or the designated AR computers in the library. 12
When can my child take AR tests? Without a reading log completely filled out, students will NOT be given permission to test. Students may only take AR tests during their Language Arts class time. They cannot get permission from other content teachers or substitutes. The updated AR program is only operational between 8:40 AM and 3:20 PM. 13
What are the AR deadlines? The AR deadlines are set according to the midterm and end of the trimester dates. Language Arts teachers will communicate these dates to their classes. These dates are also communicated through Mr. Sparrow s emails, grade level newsletters, and on the BMS website. 14
What are the AR deadlines? Even though students may test on the last date, they should NEVER wait until the end. There are many things (illness, computer problems, etc.) that could interfere with their ability/availability to test on that last day. If they don t get to test, they won t earn their points. 15
What is Renaissance Home Connect? Renaissance Home Connect is fun and easy to use. It allows you and your child to check his/her AR goals/quiz information, check what books he/she has previously tested on, and find AR book information (points/reading level). To log in to Renaissance Home Connect go to the following site and enter your child s user name and password. https://hosted330.renlearn.com/96118/homeconnect 16
What should I do to ensure that my child is successful in the AR program? Please have your child read from his/her AR book nightly. It's like our parents and teachers told us, "Practice makes perfect." Each child should read for twenty minutes a night. Use the Renaissance Home Connect. 17