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--part1_c8.5b8392c.2669a642_boundary Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello, This is to everyone who wanted to know about AR tests. Jen --part1_c8.5b8392c.2669a642_boundary Content-Type: message/rfc822 Content-Disposition: inline Return-Path: <bshonda@okstate.edu> Received: from rly-yb03.mx.aol.com (rly-yb03.mail.aol.com [172.18.146.3]) by air-yb03.mail.aol.com (v74.10) with ESMTP; Fri, 02 Jun 2000 12:00:34 -0400 Received: from listserv.okstate.edu (listserv.okstate.edu [139.78.100.100]) by rly-yb03.mx.aol.com (v74.10) with ESMTP; Fri, 02 Jun 2000 11:59:59 -0400 Received: from osu-ns01.cis.okstate.edu by listserv.okstate.edu (LSMTP for Windows NT v1.1b) with SMTP id <0.0153FAF8@listserv.okstate.edu>; Fri, 2 Jun 2000 10:59:53 -0500 Subject: Re: What are AR tests? To: TOb4521738@AOL.COM X-Mailer: Lotus Notes Release 5.0.1a August 17, 1999 Message-ID: <OFCE1F70D0.4FCCADE5-ON862568F2.0056CAE8@cis.okstate.edu> From: "Shonda L Brisco" <bshonda@okstate.edu> Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 10:59:14 -0500 X-MIMETrack: Serialize by Router on osu-ns01/Okstate(Release 5.0.2c |February 2, 2000) at 06/02/2000 10:59:53 AM MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi, Jennifer, AR (Accelerated Reader) tests are computer generated tests that schools purchase to encourage children to read books and then take tests to determine their comprehension levels, reading levels, or even if they actually read the book in some cases. Among librarians you will find a variety of responses regarding this type of "testing" because it's pretty easy for kids to read books and not have a teacher involved in the process other than just reviewing the test scores. Most library professors that I know detest this type of testing because it doesn't give the child the opportunity to do something other than choose a test answer from a list of multiple choice answers. Now back to the question. To encourage a high-risk reader or low motivated reader to use the AR tests, you would encourage them by telling them that there are "prizes" attached to the program--one of the reasons why professors in library schools hate this program! Children gain points based upon how many questions they got right on their tests. When they get so many points, the librarian (teacher, PTA, or school district) gives a prize to the child, thus the motivation to read. Children are then "bribed" to read rather than be encouraged to make reading a reward within itself...see the vicious cycle begin?? Yes, I have used it. Yes, it works--especially for those low motivated readers. You buy prizes and you work making your library an AR library rather than buying books because of their inspiration, their value to the curriculum, or their ratings on ALA's best list of books, etc. You match tests with books and spend hundreds of dollars purchasing tests rather than books. Teachers have a free time...they don't have to read book reports, listen to book review, grade projects on books, or try to figure out if the kid made up the book title, author, and the complete story. They just assign AR books to read and they're done.... Sorry if I sound really pessimistic but I do see both sides and I am beginning to believe that my professors were right. Children should be encouraged to read because it will be valuable to them throughout life...not because they'll receive a 'happy face sticker' if they read! Hope this helps...please investigate for yourself! Shonda Brisco Assistant Professor / Librarian Mary L. Williams Curriculum Materials Library Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Oklahoma bshonda@okstate.edu 405-744-9769 --part1_c8.5b8392c.2669a642_boundary-- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-= All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law. To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST 4) SET LM_NET MAIL * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv. For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/ Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.html =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=