Re: [LM_NET] What are arguments against AR?

[Lynn Butler <Teri.Butler@SAISD.ORG>]

I've worked with the AR program for 16 years and the worst thing is when
schools misuse it.  Giving students punishments for not attaining their
AR goals is ridiculous!  If the program is used as it was meant to be
used, as an intrinsic reward system to encourage children to improve
their reading then it is great.  But, unfortunately, many schools do not
do that.  AR can improve reading because since the tests often cover
minute little details, it forces the students to slow down and read for
more comprehension.  Sadly, schools often place more emphasis on the
accumulation of points.  Also, if because of AR, teachers restrict what
the kids read, then real harm can be done.

In our district, AR policies vary from school to school.  At our school,
teachers may require that the students have one AR book at all times.
Their other books can be their choice.  I have a copy of the ALA Freedom
to Read statement posted in the library and every now and then I do have
to draw a teacher's attention to it.  When they ask me, I tell students
that they may check out and read whatever they like, but that they can
only take tests at their current AR level.  Fortunately, I have a
principal who does not believe kids should be punished because they
don't have a certain number of AR points each week.

Just my two cents.  AR is so controversial, I am looking forward to
hearing other opinions and seeing how other schools handle it.

Thanks for bringing up the topic.

Lynn

Lynn Butler, Librarian
Lamar Elementary School
San Angelo, Texas
Teri.Butler@saisd.org
In pursuit of reading excellence!"

-----Original Message-----
From: LuAnn Wagener [mailto:lawagener@AOL.COM] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 12:01 PM
Subject: TAR: What are arguments against AR?

Hello:

I am a library student that is student teaching in an elementary school.
I am wondering what some good arguments would be to use to convince a
district or principal that Accelerated Reader is not necessarily a
program that will have a positive impact on student learning?

In the event that AR is already in place in a school, what is the way to
use it to its best advantage for students?

Thank you.

LuAnn Wagener, Library Graduate Student
College of St. Catherine
St. Paul, MN
lawagener@aol.com


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