Pros

• Generally increases MC circulation
• Provides reportable data on reading
• Teacher/school decides on level of adaptation
• Quiz scores show if the book was read
• Over 50,000 titles covered with quizzes
• Parents may be very supportive
• Authors appreciate the exposure AR provides for their books
• Reduces teacher involvement with managing reading
• Provides a consistent reading tool across all grade levels
• The uniqueness of the AR point/reward program may be exciting to many (especially early) readers
• Some students may be motivated to read more, or may be given time in the instructional day to read
• The program encourages the availability of large numbers of diverse titles, and requiring of up to 1 hour of reading per day
• Provides safeguards against student cheating
• Technical support for the software is provided by the company
• Hundreds of testimonials are provided by the company
• Program states it complies with NCLB guidelines

Cons

• May limit literature choices
• May discourage intrinsic value of reading
• Expensive to start and continue
• Computer access is essential
• Questions do not encourage higher order thinking skills
• Students may be discouraged from reading above or below their “level”
• Schools may be tempted to use AR points for grades
• Once begun, the program continues with purchasing quizzes for new acquisitions – may be difficult to discontinue
• Students may begin reading for point value rather than interest
• MS may be tempted to use scarce budget allocations to purchase AR quizzes
• MS may be tempted to rely on AR quiz lists and levels rather than reputable recommendation resources
• Early readers may not be able to read the quiz questions for themselves, requiring adult supervision or the purchase of the auditory quizzes.
• Little empirical research to document company claims
• Prizes/rewards need to be managed if provided
• Reading may become guided by a commercial venture (big bucks and big profits)