[LM_NET] TARGET: Guidelines for Using AR Program

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

The elementary school that I supervise uses AR but there are no
guidelines or rules that have been followed consistently during the
past ten years.  In other words, each teacher is using the program in
whatever manner they see fit which becomes confusing for the students
(and annoying for the librarians).  In addition, I was just informed
by the technology department that several teachers are asking for
multiple computers to be placed in their classrooms specifically for
AR testing purposes.  Although we have online databases, will soon
have a web-based online catalog, online encyclopedias, and other
software, the AR program is the only product being requested for
access.

The IT department does not want to purchase "high tech" equipment for
"low tech" activities...and the "Library" does not want teachers to
circumvent the library program by using only their classroom library
collections (all AR books), using their new computers to take AR tests
provided by the library, and eliminate library visits altogether.

I've already "nixed" the computer purchases by IT (and they are
happy--but the teachers won't be), however,  I'm also looking for some
sensible guidelines that could be used to help restructure the program
and bring it back under the jurisdiction / control of the library.
There won't be any possibility of the teachers going to an AR training
session (again), so I have to work with new ideas rather than
additional training (re-training) in the appropriate use of the AR
program.

If you have any guidelines that have been written to help teachers
understand how the program should be used, ways to implement the
program without stressing the child, and options for creating a love
of reading rather than a rabid race for points every grading period,
I'd appreciate a copy of it.  I hope to be able to review some of the
items, provide the principals with some possible changes, and
encourage the teachers to keep the students actively involved in using
the library---where new books and new tests will always be available!!

Thanks for your ideas.  This will be one more HIT for the weekend!

~Shonda

-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media / Technology Specialist
Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

Resources for Texas School Librarians:
http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/
http://txschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com/

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

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