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Our principal has come to understand that AR levels books according to vocabulary and not necessarily interest or maturity level. (ie Just because the Grapes of Wrath is leveled a 4.9 doesn't mean that it is appropriate for a fourth grader). Here's the background: I've had AG (academically gifted) teachers demanding their students read books on a 7th grade and above level; as many of you know, there simply is not that much fiction on that level that is necessarily appropriate for middle school students. ( I also found it very interesting that Nicholas Sparks and Dan Brown's popular books for adults run in the 5th-6th grade levels! ) Anyway, after being instructed to spend my budget on high level stuff, I explained to him that AR levels are based solely on vocabulary, not maturity or interest, and the difficulty finding higher level stuff that was still appropriate. I also gave him the Grapes of Wrath example which blew his mind! Now today, I find out that I am needed in a meeting at 12:00 where we are to completely revamp the way that we do AR. Among the things that I know have been mentioned are to drop the requirement of AR, change the name to Book Points (a rose by any other name is still a rose), focus more on book reports and summaries, etc. We're not looking for another system like Reading Counts, just a way to fix what we have now. My question to put out to the collective experiences of the group is this: Have any of you gone through a similar overhaul of the system like this? What have you done to acknowledge the weaknesses of AR's leveling system? Anything else that you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I am expected to have a lot of input in this meeting at noon today and with the short notice, I thought I would tap into the fantastic knowledge base that is out there! Brandy Huffman Media Coordinator Walter Johnson Middle School Morganton, NC 28655 (828) 430-4737 bshuffman@burke.k12.nc.us "It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities." Professor Dumbledore to Harry Potter J.K. Rowling From Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------