LM_NET: Library Media Networking
A BIG Thanks to all of you who shared with me. Internet is GREAT:-)
I am sending all responses and the individuals names. Again, thank you=20
for taking time to share.
From: Pope <popeda@heidelberg-emh2.army.mil>
=09I am a district support person for media specialists, and I saw this
program in use for the first time last week in one of our middle
schools. They require every teacher to teach reading, so it has proved
very valuable to them to help teachers who also have a wide range of
other classes, duties, etc.
=09You can add your own tests, etc, and if you buy the add-on disks, etc.
to increase your titles/tests, etc. it seemed pretty good. Tests are
hard, and so far no problem with cheating/sharing answers. Record
access/maintenance was good. Has proved motivational.
=09They purchased many new titles to support it, however, so if you don't
own the majority of titles now, you should be sure your're going to
have funds before getting this going.
From: S002DLV@nova.wright.edu
=09Our district uses Acc. Reader extensively in our primary, intermediate
schools and in the 6th grade of our middle school. It has been very
successful for us and I highly recommend it. It does work for l"low"
readers if you purchase test disks on their reading level. I don't have
the address with me ( I am at home) but the name of the company is
Advantage Learning Systems. You can also purchase it from Follett. Good
luck, DLV
=20
From: Betsy Sanders <FS8899@conrad.appstate.edu>
=09I am a graduate student at Appalachian State University, and I am=20
doing a
research project on the "Accelerated Reading Program." I have seen it
used in a number of schools, and it seems to have a mixture of results.
>From what I see, the program seems to be a success in schools in which
the program is optional. However, in schools where the students are
required to partipate in the program for a grade, the program does not
seem to be as sucessful. Sorry I can't give you any more concrete
information, but most of my research has been done by observation.
=09If it would not be too much trouble, could you please forward=20
your responses to
me? It would be a great help in my research.
From: Lynn McCree <lmcc@tenet.edu>
=09About half of our schools use Acc. Reader and half use Electronic Booksh=
elf.
Everyone seems pleased with his choice. I suggest you also look at E. B.
because I think it has a more appealing selection of books. Also, I
don't like the competitiveness rating the books by points causes. Some
short books are as good or better than long books. I buy the paperbacks
to support the EB program and keep them on a special cart so students
know where to look for "computer books." We use these in our remedial
reading classes so we often buy YA sets with 4th and 5th grade reading leve=
l.
I don't think the kids have any idea that these books are easier to read;
but they do love them. Instead of buying the expensive network version,
we bought discs for each reading teacher's Apple IIe which she has in her
classroom. We like the program.
From: Lena Grant <lgrant@pen.k12.va.us>
AR has been online in my 1360 6-8 school for about a
year. We have wonderful participation from 6th grade, almost
none from 7th, and great with the 8th graders. We are
pleased. About the teachers making up their own tests, it is
somewhat more complicated than that, if one follows the
instructions. That was one of the things that really attracted
the other librarian and I from our school. We have LOTS of
historical fiction that is not read at the moment that we would
like to put in, but according to what I read in the instruction
manual, one has to figure the Frye readibility level. The
instructions for that are complicated and take time. Another
librarian in our district has put in her own tests, and somehow
ignores the readibility level. I just don't know how that =20
works. There are also some schools in our district that have
used or are using Electronic Bookshelf. I understand it is
much easier to write test questions for that program. It also
has more test questions for each test than are used each time,
so students do not always get the same test. With AR, the
answers are mixed up, but the questions are always the same.
Wish I had had this info before we got into AR. We really like
it, but the ability to input tests and the same questions are
drawbacks, IMHO.
Our teachers that use the program are enthusiastic. We
have been told over and over that students tell the teachers
that using AR is the first time the student has really read a
book all the way through. Some of these are 8th grade honors
students!
All the research that I have seen on AR shows that the
lower a reader starts, the faster he or she goes up. The
Advantage Learning folks put out a monthly, free newsletter, =20
and a recent one told about one of the schools that has been on
AR since the beginning, and the jump in achievement for the
total school was incredible.
The Technical Support folks at AR are super. I have
yet to have a problem that they could not solve, and can also
usually get through to them.
If I can answer any questions, please let me know.
From: bbvschlib@shrsys.hslc.org
=09Hope your don't mind my generic reply.
I have finally decided to write a quick generic answer to
Acclerated Reader vs Electronic Bookshelf.
=09First a brief summary of how the program is used in our school.
=091. The 7/8 grade reading classes use it extensively. Students
need to read 6 points worth of books every 9 weeks. It plays a
large part in our curriculum. I am in charge of the books. The
teacher keeps his own records on his own computer in his room.
=092. I run/teach an independent reading class for 9-12 grade. It
is a humanities credit for the student. They have to read 9
points worth of books every 9 weeks to pass the course. It works
very well. I have about 5 students every period, every day. I
have the program on one computer in a lantasti network. Our
school has purchased a lap pack for 4 computers. The program is
installed on two presently.
=09A neighboring librarian decided to purchase Electronic Bookshelf.
She had difficulties with the company and instead purchased
Accelerated Reader. Thus we can compare the programs.
Electronic Reader
=0930 questions per book. The students get a randomly generated
test which is not the same as the previous test someone took.
Cheating is difficult. This becomes important if you have a
large number of students taking the test. =20
=09Bookkeeping--Once the students are entered into the program, it
remembers who took what test. Thus students can never repeat a
test that they passed years ago.
=09It is very difficult to install on a lantasti network. The
owners do not support single usage on a network. Being a
computer nerd I bypassed their system.
I understand that single usage on a Novell is also difficult.
Accelerated Reader
=09Very easy to install and maintain. The questions load easier
than ER.
=09Works easily with a network (any kind).
=09It costs lots for alot of users. But is cheap for small use.
=0910 questions. Same order every time.
=09Bookkeeping is not quite as through as Electronic Bookshelf.
From: Annette B Church <achurch@eis.calstate.edu>
=09We have used Accelerated Reading for five years in our K-6, 350 student
elementary school. It is used grades 4-6, very well supported by the
teachers, books acquired, marked with a dot in the library. Tests are
given in computer lab by computer lab tech who keeps all records for the
kids, schedules tests, gives out prizes. It has been very successful, is
equally supported by teachers at this point as in the beginning. If you
have further questions, please ask.
From: Pat Gail Sebastian <pgs@tenet.edu>
=09I am the librarian in a new networked intermediate school with 1025
students. When I took the job my principal asked me about Accelerated
Reader and my feelings were negative (reading being tested hurting
motivation, etc.). A couple of my teachers were really excited about the
program, so I did some checking around and totally changed my mind. We
now have an all school program with every student involved. It is truly
incredible. The library was always busy, but circulation has skyrocketed.
The AR books are not even stamped with due dates because they come and go
so quickly. We have decided against the AR Store with prizes kids can buy
with their points because of the staffing. When students earn 100 points
we take their picture and put it up on our AR SUPERSTARS wall of fame and
the principal presents a certificate on our televised morning
announcements. With 150 points the student gets an AR SUPERSTAR Tshirt -
for every 50 points after that, I iron on a red star (transfer). The =20
record keeping is easy and the program nearly runs itself. After taking
my first test, I was hooked! We encourage the teachers to put their names
in and earn the points too. Since we are a new school, we don't have a
way of seeing how our test scores will rise, but teachers say that
students are quickly raising their reading levels and all students are
successful (ESL and Special ED). We have some students read aloud to
others and then read the tests to them and this peer help really works.
We don't have all our teachers as motivated as others and that makes a
great difference. Getting everyone excited about the program will help.
We hope to have most students earn their shirts by the time they have
spent two years in the program. We feel this is a good age to get kids
hooked on reading and hope we will do it, giving them something they will
enjoy and use for their entire lives. We know that if we can get them to
read they will be readers and Accelerated Reader works! I seem to have
gotten carried away with this. Do you think they need a high paid salesman?
=20
We use the accelerated reader in both of our small elementary schools (130
students each) and several of the teachers use it quite extensively. We've
found that it really does promote reading and it also gets them to try
other authors that they wouldn't normally even try. We bought the whole
school version for the Mac since we have a Mac in every classroom. We've
been very happy with it. Let me know if I can help you in any way.
John Eye, N0HWD palsejg@vax1.mankato.msus.edu
From: BURRC@TEN-NASH.TEN.K12.TN.US
=09We have been using the Accelerated Reader program at our=20
elementary school
(k-4) since 1989, and wouldn't trade it for anything! Our students love
it, our teachers support and encourage use of it, and our principal is
highly in favor of it. The program itself is self-motivating; we have
never had to *beg* students to try it - they just do it on their own. With
the wide variety in the reading list, even first graders can be taught to
use it independently.
=09As educators, it's easy to become immune to new trends and techniques,
because, after a while, they pass out of popularity and we go back to doing
things the way we always did. But the Accelerated Reader program is
different - there is just something about earning those points that=20
keeps =20
students coming back again and again!
=09Let me know if you have further specific questions...
From: Guusje Zimmerman Moore <guusje@tenet.edu>
=09 don't have it but my daughter's middle school does. On the plus side
it's weaned them away from R.L. Stine but now it's to the point that they
won't do any outside reading unless it's an ARP book and they chose the
books based on the # of points awarded for reading it...I'd rather they
read a book because they want to read it...not because it's worth 7
points...but such is life.
From: Diane Durbin <dianed@tenet.edu>
=09A vendor who sells the program told me that in her experience the progra=
m
works best when the computers for testing are in the classroom and the
teachers do the testing. She said otherwise it becomes a terrible chore
for the librarian, with kids running in at all times. Also, the test
scores have to go back to the teacher and then to the child, so feedback
takes longer. She recommends computers in the classroom where a kid can
take the class at the beginning of the period or other specified time
from his/her own teacher. She says the library should have the books,
multiple copies if possible. Some schools, she says, buy classroom sets
of certain books, or try to stock classroom libraries. She knows that it
is better for books to be in the library, but isn't about to discourage
purchase of multiple copies for classrooms. But she told me if we decide
to do it and want to do it the way she has observed is best to put the
computers in the classroom and the books in the library. =20
From: Pris Seeley <pseeley@iquest.com>
=B9elemetnarya school of K-5 with 600 students. We have been
using this AR program for aobut one year, and find that students re
definitely reading more. I hve several suggestions: (1) get the whole
school version and have students take the tests on computers that are in
their classrooms. Several librarians in our district have three or 4
computers in their library dedicated to the AR tests, and all they do all
day is monitor and schedule students to take tests. We media specialists
have many more important things to do than be turned into clerks again.
The whole school version is worth the price. (2) Budget in a large amount
for AR books to go along with the test disks. The price of the disks is
not the expensive par: the purchase of many many books is! WE have ended
up buying at least two or 3 copies of each book on each test disk. Each
techer needs to purchase a manual to use the program well. You need to
purchase the master list each year. Highlight the books you hve in the
title portion of the Master list. (3) Put a colored dot on the spine of
each AR book in your collection. (4) in the front of each book, write the
number of the test, and the number of points a book is worth. This will
save you many many hours of time! Good luck. If you have any more
questions , I'll be happy to try to answer them. We've found the program
works well, and use it in grades 1-5, and even some of the better
kindergarten students take tests! Priscilla Seeley, Farley Elementary
School, Huntsville, Alabama
From: Lawanda Dale <DALELJ@DOVER.afsc.k12.ar.us>
=09The Dover Primary School purchased the Accelerated Reader School
wide version last year. We absolutely without any hesitation love
it. First through Third Grades are all using it. I took the time
and color coded the books. Example Red dot is reading level 1.
Green dot is reading level 2 etc. The beauty of this program is the
management system for the teacher. The child reads the book and then
does the book activity. (We do not call it a test.) The test is
geared where you cannot guess at the answers. The test results
provides the teacher with concrete information pertaining to the
student's comprehension. Not only that, it will also keep a constant
record of the student's score. By having books on all levels, all
students can participate in the program. We have two volunteers that
come into the library and assist the First Grade students with
their computer activity. Second and Third grades handle it in their
classrooms. I wish there was some way we could measure the student's
progress before and after using Accelerated REader. Inside theteacher
's manual is several suggestions on how to motivate the students to
read more. Since we are in our first year of the program we chose
not to do anything but the basics. However, I really like the
incentive suggestions and hope we can implement them next year. I
hope this isn't too garbled and makes some sense to you.
From: Barbara Weaver <barbara.weaver@lcms.jcps.k12.mo.us>
=09We have just begun using this program with our 6th grade reading=20
classes. (I
am at Lewis & Clark Middle School - grades 6th, 7th, 8th). Some of the
teachers and students are very enthusiastic about the program, and it has
improved our circulation. One test disk I purchased, C14 Rough and=20
Ready, is
very popular with the boys because the books are easy and several are=20
bios of
sports figures along with Paulsen's Dunc series. I have great hopes that
these will encourage our reluctant readers, and they seem to be so far.
Since we just started the program before Christmas, I can't comment on the
long term, but I am certainly interested in other replys you may get.
From: "Susan E. Aken" <saken@esu3.esu3.k12.ne.us>
=09We are using the program here - we started last Sep with 5th=20
grade and
now have 4th through 6th using it. It has worked great for us. So far,
66 kids have passed about 391 tests. It did help when we bought a disk
with lower level books - worth about .5 points each. We had some lower
readers who had to move down to the picture books for success, but they
are just as excited over the half a point as others are over 15. As far
as writing your own tests, I found that if I kept the integrity of tthe
tests and followed their guidelines in writing them that there was no way
I would have time (at lleast not with the longer books - I haven't tried
it with picture books) but the one Golden Sower nominee I tried to write
a test for - I gave up on. But we still love the program and are trying
to add disks through capter and grant funds. Let me know if you have any
questions.
From: darlene ott <DOTT@yshs.oursc.k12.ar.us>
=09We have used the ARP for about 5 years and have most success at the
middle school level. Our ninth grade English teacher has used it
this year with success. She has devised tests which the students are
most excited about and are scoring higher on those than the regular
tests.
=09We recommend highly!
From: ANDERSOND@TEN-NASH.TEN.K12.TN.US
=09My students love the AR. We use it in grades 3-5(another school)=20
and 6-10
in my school. Circulation is soaring. Test Scores have gone up. It is a
wonderful program. I recommend it highly. It is alittle work for the
librarian but well worth the effort. Good Luck. Diane Anderson
From: Bev Frett <bfrett@eagle.ibc.edu>
I am the LMC Director at a K-5 building and last year we piloted
Accelerated Reader with our 4th graders. My goal was to increase the
circulation of our fiction collection and the reading of our 4th
through 5th graders, but I wanted to try it first with one grade level.
It was very successful so we made a go of it, supported by the PTA we
purchased disks for our 3rd -5th graders. AR included on their test
disks many of our titles, so all I needed to purchase was mainly the
disks and a few books. We add questions every week for the books we have no
test questions for therefore increasing our AR title list. Incentive prizes
are awarded in varied increments: 5pts. =3D a
pencil, 15pts. =3D folder, 25pts. =3D paperback book, etc. It took the firs=
t
half of the year for the program to really take off. The statistics I
recorded for circulations of fiction books in January 1995 were double
those from January 1994. The students just love it. As a matter of fact,
one of our 4th grade teachers received a note signed by all of his
students to read them Robinson Crusoe in class so that they could all
get the points from the test. At first it bothered me to basically bribe
the students to read but they are reading books, classics, they would
never had read without AR. They enjoy it, their parents think it's great,
the teachers like the regular reports showing exactly what their students
have read, and I couldn't be happier. We've met our goal and we're still
inproving. All of the students are motivated, even those I thought
wouldn't care.
I am using the whole school version on a Mac ethernet network.
Technical support, when I needed it was good and problems have been few.
We just received the updated version and I haven't had
time to load it yet. Apparently, it includes a number of new features.
As you can tell, I, we, really like the program and whatever you decide,
I don't think you can go wrong with AR. Good luck with your decision.
From: Mary Jo Humphreys <maryjoh@tenet.edu>
=09We started using Accelerated Reader 2 years ago. We have a very strong
reading program and our themes for the past two years --Dive into Reading
and Book a Trip have been extensively carried out. The work is
tremendous. We could not do it without volunteers. I love the program,
because the kids really have to read the books in order to get prizes.
There is no room for dishonesty. When they haven't read the book, they
don't pass the test and they know it is their fault, not the teacher's or
any one elses. The first year at the end of the program we had passed
5500 tests. This year at the end of the first semester we had passed
6600. I have approximately 350 third, fourth and fifth graders
participating. Our TAAS scores (state exam) in reading have gone up.
This is expensive and labor intensive. I hope that you are ready. Good
luck and let me know if you have any more questions.
From: Pat Coshow <pcoshow@esu3.esu3.k12.ne.us>
=09We are getting ready to implement a pilot program with the Accel.=20
Rdg. P.
with the 6th and 7th graders to cover elem. & HS. We are planning on
this being successful and will then exlpand it below and above these
grades. The PTO is supporting this effort with donations from families
of titles on the list for multiple copies and $ for the incentives. We
are writing our own incentives package. The initial program and books to
correspond with it that we didn't have are being funded with Chapter II
fundsour school district receives. We are K-12 in one building with 450
students and 2 libraries. I was glad you raised these questions ,
because I had been intending on posting the same. I am especially
interested in the incentive portion and how schools have this set up.
Please contact me, Jo, if you don't post this as a hit--I want to know
your responses. The ARP has a test disk for the Golden Sower books and
that will give us subjective testing to see if students in grades 4-6
have actually read those books. We had trouble with students lying about
this one year. It will also be a record for the junior high teachers to
know what books students have already read in elem. and not try reading
the books again for a book report. I, personally, don't like rewarding
students for reading, but after considering the overall program and what
I believe it can accomplish, I decided it was worth it. We should be
ready to begin the program with these two grades next fall. Keep in
touch regarding this. Thanks!
From: Debra Whitbeck <whitbeck@tenet.edu>
=09I bought Accelerated Reader last year based on enthusiastic
recommendations of respected peers -- I do like the program and can
answer questions for you.
We bought a site license for the Mac and started with 2 grade levels (4th
and 5th). This year we added tests and 3rd grade. I plan to add 2nd
grade 2nd semester next year.
It takes some time, especially initially, to use, but the results in
increased reading and test scores are worth it to me.
Students are very motivated. We give token rewards for points, but the
program itself is motivating.
Let me know if you have specific questions.
Advantage Learning is really good about phone help, but their manuals are
sparse.
From: Karen Current <kcurrent@macomb.lib.mi.us>
=09We've been using the Acclelerated Reader program for just over a year
now. The students read the books on their own, then come to the Media
Center for testing. I have eight adult volunteers who administer the
tests--in a school of almost 800 I can't handle it by myself. Right now,
approximately 250 of our kids are involved. We even have two
kindergarteners who are participating!
=09Response from both teachers and parents has been fantastic.The=20
staff sees
their students reading "better" books and parents are excited about the
success their kids are having. Our chapter aides are also using the
program with their students.
=09Tech support has been very good (we're using the Apple II version).
=09AR is a wonderful motivational program--go for it!
=20
From: Ann Mary Steffes <steffes@tenet.edu>
=09Our fifth grade began using this program this semester. As a=20
librarian I
would have appreciated knowing the books on the list ahead of time as the
students came swarming into the library expecting to find multiple copies
of each title. It would have been beneficial to be on the consulting end
of this program with the teachers before they ordered the discs--programs
so they would know what resources were available and in addition I could
have adjusted my book order to include some of the titles we were lacking.
From: EHS_KM@ncocc.ohio.gov
We have the program fo I asked my reading teacher to make comments:
"I like the program. It does keep its own records and is easy to us=
e.
PRO- It allows the students to read a wider range of books and
everyone is at their own level and pace.
CON- Lower ability readers will procrastinate. It works best if
you assign them a book and time frame to have completed.
you assign them a book and time frame to have completed.
The program works best if you have the books in your room or
wherever you intend to hold the class. The program does have merit.=
"
From: Bonnie Baumann Harrison <bharriso@silver.sdsmt.edu>
=09We have had the accelerated reading program for our middle school
students for 5 years now. We do find students read more. It does keep
their interest and they are really into reading the "classics" now. We
have gradually expanded our program until we have most of the discs
available. Some students do attempt to take the first test without
really reading the book, but a failure soon cures them of that notion.
It is built right into their grading system...to get an A, so many
AReading points, etc.
From: Lynn Burns Bright <bright@tenet.edu>
=09Hello from Goliad Elementary School in San Angelo, Texas.
We are in our second year of Accelerated Reader. I am
the Librarian and work with the Computer Aide in
administering the program. The program is very adaptable.
We have tried it 2 different ways.
=09Our classes come to Library/Computer for 1 hour a week.
Half the class goes straight to computers (the lab is
next door) and half stays with me. 30 minutes then we
switch. Last year, each student was assigned a computer
in the lab and they took tests during their 30 minute
computer time. We also had 2 days after school for
testing. =20
=09This year, we separated 6 computers in the lab and have
designated those as AR computers. There are two
classes per computer. Teachers send students to the lab
at their convenience all day long (minus a 30 minute
lunch for the aide) but they can only send 2 at a time.
If there is too long a wait for a particular computer,
the aide will send the student back. We also have 1 day
after school designated as testing time but the students
have to have a parent permission form so rides can be
arranged.
=09The jury is out on which way is better. We'll evaluate
at the end of this year and decide which way will be our
"official" route. For the second option, you have to
have 1 person who is just taking care of AR. With the
first way, the teacher and the computer aide monitored
the students.
=09The program has helped to boost self-esteem. The teachers
say that it does appear to help the students increase
their comprehension. At this time, only grades 3-5 participate,
with some second graders at their teacher's discretion.
The students are very competitive. We offer prizes at 5 points,
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 75, & 100. After 100, prizes are
given every 30 points. A downer is the cost of providing books.
We bought 7 disks the first year (after spending hours
with the titles list and going through our shelves to
see which books we already had.) This year, we bought
5 more disks and are planning to ask our PTA to purchase
3 more for next year. Most of my library budget has gone
for books. PTA spent $4000.00 the first year providing books
for the first 7 disks we bought. Putting your own tests
on is tricky because when you load them, it wipes out=20
the =
=20
AR tests. Those have to be reloaded. The company
doesn't really want you to make your own, of course.
Our computer aide has solved that little glitch by
giving the teachers a May 1 deadline. They can give
her all the tests they want and she'll load them all
at once. And then, she'll reload the company tests
again. She won't allow new teacher tests to be added
until the following May.
=09This is just what we have tried. There are 21 other
elementary schools in San Angelo. Most of them use
the second option. It really is trial and error and
seeing what works for your students and fits their
needs. It definitely is a worthwhile program...
although as with anything, there are days I wish
I'd never heard the words, "Accelerated Reader."
Hope this helps. Email me at: bright@tenet.edu
From: Donna S Cook <dsc@tenet.edu>
=09Please don't buy Accelrated Reader until you look at Electronic
Bookshelf. EBS tests, grades, and records, also. It also has an
authoring program. EBS, however, has a bank of 30 questions for each
test, and each student gets a totally unique test each time he or anyone
takes a test. The teacher can decide how many questions, how many
points, how many times a test is taken, on and on. AR does not allow any
variations. It is the same 10 question test for every kid and every
title, everytime. One school in our district uses AR, and they struggle
with cheating problems. I have used EBS for 8 years. EBS will
revolutionize reading programs. EBS seems to be more expensive than AR,
but it really isn't very much more, just priced differently. AR IS a lot
better than nothing; but EBS is a lot better than anything else. If you
have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.=20
From: Ellen Schneider <schneide@kalama.doe.Hawaii.Edu>
=09My school has been using the accelerated reading program for the last
several years, and generall speaking, the teachers and kids are excited
with it. We are a K-6 school on a military base, and all our kids are
the children of the lower ranks, so we normally do very poor on any kind
of testing. Not that the accelerated reading program (AR) has improved
test scores. What has improved is the kids willingness to read. The
majority of these kids enter school with no background of reading in the
home and are unfamiliar with even the most basic of those stories that
you would expect every child to be familiar with. The AR program has
excited them to read and take the tests. Of course, it does vary by
grade level. The 6th grades require the kids to read and accumulate a
certain number of points each month, so for them it becomes a chore(even
though it's usually not more than 6 points.) However, in the second
grades, where it is introduced, the kids want to do it; even the slower
kids want to try it because they also get to go on the computer. Our
third and fourth grades have been having challenges, to see which class
can earn the most points in a month. We are hoping to expand into the
first grades next year, as we think this will be a good motivation for
them to start reading. Our 2nd and 3rd graders start with the 1/2 point
books, and then if they are able, move up to the harder ones. We had one
second grade child last year earn over 100 points, reading primarily 1/2
point books.
=09The program does take some effort and expense to set up, as you=20
need the
computers, the disks, and the books, but we think the effort was well
worth it. We started out with 4 computers in the reading room; it was
then dispursed to the individual classrooms, where most classes have
their own computers to run it and they share the disks.
=09Hope this has been of some use to you. If you post it, you will probabl=
y
want to trim it down. If you have any more questions, we'd be glad to
answer them.
=09Our school is in its second year of Accelerated Reader and it is wonderf=
ul!
Students who never willingly read before are getting excited and enjoying
the books they are reading. Their reading scores are improving and they
are coming into the library often to get more books. When we first
started the program, I only allowed them to check out one Accelerated
Reader book at a time, because of limited resources. Now our collection
has expanded, thanks to grant funds and a supportive administration, and
they can have two at a time. We had problems at first due to limited
resources, books, test disks, and computer access, but these problems are
gradually improving. I would highly recommend the program and if I can
help in any way, call, e-mail or snail mail.
=09Linda Stoneking (lindas@tenet.edu)
From: Robin Mercer <e810344a@unctv.org>
=09We have been using Accelerated Reader in our school for 8-9=20
years, now.
I began using it with 7th and 8th grade Academically Gifted students.
We now use it in grades 4-8 (about 375 students). We have installed it
on hard drives (IBM) in classrooms and on our network in the media center.
Over the years as we have begun going lower and lower in the grades involve=
d
interest among the older students has waned somewhat. It is a GREAT
program for reluctant readers and rewarding students for points earned
can be a fine motivator, but...
=09I have become concerned that some teachers are misusing the=20
program, relying
entirely on it for all reading "instruction". Also, students doing AR are
not reading anything else but books on THE LIST.
Another problem that I find is that the quality of books included on=20
the =20
test disks is really declining. RL Stine???
=09One thing that really impressed me with AR when it began was that since
the kids would read ANYTHING on that list, they were reading aome pretty
outstanding books that they wouldn't have touched otherwise. It really
opened their eyes to good books and, I think, Created some dedicated
readers.
=09In short it CAN be a wonderful tool if used wisely. Many times I have
said it was the best thing I've done since becoming a librarian (14 years
ago). Just be sure you stay on top of it and don't let IT take over.
=20
ONCE AGAIN THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SHARED. WE HAVE NOT MADE A DECISION YET.
Jo Schaer
Media Specialist
Westmoor & Roosevelt Elementary
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
308-635-6255
308-635-6259
jschaer@panesu.esu14.K12.ne.us
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