I have had to explain to several of the upper elementary teachers that many
times the AR levels chosen by Renaissance Learning do not always match
either the reading level or interest level of the content. Several teachers
are insistent that students read nothing below their actual grade level and
I have to show them the book itself to let them know that these levels are
not always consistent. I have contacted Renaissance Learning several times
to dispute a reading level only to be told that the vocabulary is the sole
reason for determining levels. It doesn't make sense that "Scorpions" by
Walter Dean Myers is leveled at 3.7 while Grolier's Nature's Children books
are leveled at 5th grade up. Even most of the Dr. Seuss books are 3.9 up.
One of the 4th grade teachers started testing last week and I was appalled
at the failing scores. I feel that it is important for a student to try an
easier test first just to get the hang of taking computer tests and then
increase the reading level. Many of the students have forgotten how to take
the tests over the summer or are not reading and comprehending the book
before attempting to take the test.
No, we don't want 5th graders reading and taking tests on "Arthur" books,
but I feel that it is important to use judgement instead of reading levels
when helping a child select a book. The child's interest also must be taken
into consideration.
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Madeline L. Buchanan
Library Media Specialist
W. J. Christian School (K-8)
Birmingham, AL
Voice: (205) 231-5277
Fax: (205) 231-5279
Email: mlbuchanan1@charter.net
Email: mlbuchan@hiwaay.net
http://mlbuchan.home.hiwaay.net
http://www.wwisp.com/~wjcs/
"The imagination should be allowed a certain
amount of time to browse around."
--Thomas Merton
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