Ways To Manage Accelerated Reader Before It Manages You



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So you've been told you must use Accelerated Reader (AR), here are some tips that may help things to go smoothly:

  • If your school does not have AR, do not start! At least educate your Media Committee about all the aspects of AR before investing in the program. Make it an informed, shared decision. Make sure the principal understands your support of the reading curriculum along with your well- informed opinion of AR.
  • Gently encourage using AR as merely one tool in the reading instruction ensemble. Strongly discourage the use of AR for grades.
  • Educate yourself in the research on reading instruction and programs. Collect articles such as those mentioned in this bibliography and keep them in your office right next to your copy of Simpson’s copyright book.
  • Educate parents concerning reading to and with their children. Invite parents to Literacy Nights. Work with the PTA Literacy committee. Promote reading in other ways such as Family Reading nights.
  • Intersperse AR titles within the regular collection.
  • Do not limit students’ book selection to only AR books or limit selections by AR level.
  • If you inherit an active AR program, thoughtfully consider your acquisitions and budget percentages. Do not let AR titles govern what you choose to purchase.
  • If AR requires significant outside funding, use your Media committee and principal to help guide decision-making.
  • Provide an interesting multimedia presentation for Staff Development emphasizing the appropriate role of AR in reading instruction.
  • Ensure all students have equal access to AR and computer quizzes.
  • You may need to leave an active AR program alone (particularly if parents are heavily invested). Time will tell if the program lives up to everyone’s expectations. Start supporting reading in other ways that reach the students who are not motivated by AR points.
  • Watch and record significant statistics concerning reading scores, circulation, etc. that will help demonstrate AR’s effect on your students.

 

ARbitrate for what is best for the children!