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																																		Schuler Books D & M Silkscreening

What is the Accelerated Reading Program?

 AR is both a reading practice program, as well as, the library’s on-going reading incentive program.  It is an individualized program that allows each student to move at his or her own pace and level of ability.  AR is done as a collaboration between the library and classroom teachers with the goal being a consistent use of AR as an integrated part of the classroom reading/literacy instruction. 
            This is how the program works.  At the beginning of each marking period your student will meet with his/her teacher to set individual goals for that period, or the teacher will set goals for the class as a whole.  The goals will be entered in the AR program so it can keep track of your student’s progress.    When your child comes to the library he or she will choose at least one AR book that is within the book level range that has been established with the teacher.  AR books are color coded on the spine label and have additional detail labels on the back inside cover.  After reading the book your child goes to the computer to take a test.  The test measures comprehension of the book.  The student earns points based on the point value given the book and his/her score on the test.   At the end of each marking period students who have met their goals will be rewarded with a movie and popcorn party in the library.  They will also be given prizes as they earn points and at the end of the year there will be additional awards given to the two students who earned the most points, the two students who are the most improved readers and the class that has earned the most points as a whole.   
            Students will begin this program sometime during 1st grade and continue it on through their time at Sycamore.  Younger students will have opportunities to experience AR and taking tests but it won’t become a consistent part of their school program.  Starting in 2nd grade all students will be allowed to check out two books from the library each week (providing their books are returned).  One of those books must be an AR book within their independent reading level range.  However, students are welcome to also read their own books from home and take those tests at school too.  To determine if the library owns tests for your books at home simply search for the book in our catalog, if the quiz number is listed under the ’more info’ section, then the library owns that test. 
            I am excited about the opportunities this program offers in encouraging reading practice both at school and at home.  I hope you will join me in encouraging your students to embrace this program and the fun that can be had reading.  I will do everything I can to help your students locate books they find interesting as well as ones that help them grow in their reading ability.