The responses to my query about A/R grading policies are below.
To all of you who took the time to respond, THANK YOU. The information has been
very helpful
Rebecca Ciannello-Librarian
Neptune Middle School
Neptune, N.J. 07753
arciannello@neptune.k12.nj.us<mailto:arciannello@neptune.k12.nj.us>
From: Teresa Schauer [mailto:pettushs@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 2:28 PM
To: Rebecca Ciannello
Subject: Re: Accelerated Reader grading
In Answer to your first question---ABSOLUTELY the goals should be adjusted
down--the goals should be based on the amount of time they're given in school only.
Renaissance Learning actually has a position on grades, and I've attached the
document for that. I've also attached the spreadsheet we use for grades in my own
high school, along with a copy of our reading log bookmark. We use AR in grades
6-10 and I have a different colored bookmark for each grade level. These are in
baskets at the circulation computer. I write the due date on the correct colored
book mark and give it to the student with the book. There is also a basket for
them to turn their bookmarks in when they check the book in. We count average
percent correct as 50% of their grade, their percentage of point goal as 25% of
their grade, and their reading log as 25%.
------------------
Renaissance Learning only has an official policy for high school, but we use the
same grading policy in grades 6-12 with fantastic success. Their average from the
spreadsheet is counted as a major grade each six weeks. We're talking about having
that grade count in a different subject each six weeks, since reading impacts every
other subject.
--------------------
I forgot to send the bookmark earlier. Also, the spreadsheet is super easy to
use--we fill in the blanks using a six weeks diagnostic report.
I use their scores as my grade. They get a grade for three tests per trimester,
with 30 mins./week in-class reading. A 90% goes in my book as 9 out of 10, so they
have 30 points possible for the term. This has worked well for me because 30 points
is enough to count, but not enough ALONE to cause students to fail the class. They
have to get 60% to get any points (6 out of 10). If they fail a test, they can read
another book AFTER their other scores are turned in and then replace the failing
grade. That policy works as good incentive to replace or improve low scores.
Linda Brown
Teacher/Librarian
Jonesville (MI) High School
lbrown@jonesvilleschools.org
I "assign" the students 20 minutes of reading per night for 2 and 3rd grades and 30
minutes per night for 4 and 5. That way it is not interfering with school time.
We are not allowed to us AR as a grade, although a teacher may use it to help with
participation grades.
I take the ZPD and used the lowest number in each students range to determine the
point goals for the quarter. I have a program called achieving Eagles and each
quarter the students need to read in their range, achieve 85% average or better on
tests, and meet their point goal. This gives everyone the opportunity to succeed
because the weaker readers have a lower point goal than the stronger reader.
At the end of the year, student who were Achieving Eagles all 4 quarters are
recognized at the end of the year ceremonies with a medal.
(Quarterly the prizes may be a pencil, bookmark, free dress day coupon and such)
I have a crude hand written chart with all the beginning levels and the point
goals. If you are interested in having it, I would be happy to scan and send it.
Just let me know.
June C. Parrilli
Media Specialist
Hobe Sound Elementary
11555 SE Gomez Ave.
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
I would adjust the points if they are not being given the daily 30 minutes.
Maybe you should require 2/3 or 3/5 of the points that would be expected for 30
minutes per day. When I was a classroom teacher, I based the AR grade on what
percentage of the goal was achieved. One hundred percent of the goal equaled 100,
90%=90. If the points were achieved, but the average percent was not the required
85%, then I took points off the 100%. I also weighted my grades, so AR was 15% of
the language arts grade. I have colleagues who have counted it as test grades or
project grades, depending. I do think it needs to be figured into overall
averages, so students realize that it is important.
Sandi Prescott, Teacher-Librarian, NBCT
Arapahoe Charter School
"Every Child, Every Day"
9005 NC Highway 306 S
Arapahoe, NC 28510
sandi.prescott@arapahoe.charter.k12.nc.us<mailto:sandi.prescott@arapahoe.charter.k12.nc.us>
In the middle and high schools we use Lexiles instead of STAR Reading.
We obtain the students' Lexile ranges from the MAP test. The problem I see is that
according to the Lexile website, the Lexile aims for 75% comprehension, while in AR
we are aiming for 90-100% comprehension. When we give the students their ranges,
then, how much do we lower them? I just went to an excellent AR seminar and we are
trying to make changes to make our program implementation more research-based and
supportive. How do those of you using AR and Lexiles resolve this issue? TIA!
--
Jennifer Davidson
jdavidson@usd393.net
District Librarian
USD 393
Solomon, KS
Well, I am not sure if this will help or not, but here goes...
At our school we do don't assign points for grades. Instead the students are
required to read 150,000 words per marking period. Students are then given a grade
based on their word count. Renaissance Place has a report for word count and there
is a word count shown on the bottom of each TOPS report. Our teachers here give
the grade differently according to the grade level of the student. 6th graders
receive an A for 150,000 words while 7th and 8th grade students have a sliding
scale with 150,000 being the minimum requirement to pass. Meaning 150,000 is a C
and I believe it goes up in increments of 20,000 for higher grade, but don't quote
me on that one. The point is that the teacher choose how to implement the 150,000
word count goal according to their students' abilities. Its not a perfect program
by any means, but does seem to work with the majority of students.
I hope this helps, and please feel free to ask questions if you need some
clarification.
[cid:image003.gif@01CA532C.4B38F1D0]
Suzanne Dorn - Librarian
Worland Middle School, Worland WY
307-347-3233
sdorn@wsh1.k12.wy.us<mailto:sdorn@wsh1.k12.wy.us>
www.wsh1.k12.wy.us/schools/wms<http://www.wsh1.k12.wy.us/schools/wms>
We adjust points based on time period to complete the reading and the student.
Grading:
Students get a grade based on % of goal met. (At 85% accuracy)
They also get a grade on % accuracy. 93%-100% = 100, 80%-92% = 90, etc.
If students are reading within their reading level they should be able to meet a
goal of 1 point per week even if they do not have time at school. Most of my
teachers set their goals, if students don't meet their goal their reading grade is
lowered - A to an A-. If they meet their goal their grade stays the same. If
their exceed their goal their grade in reading goes up - C to a C+.
Cindy
Cindy Glavin Library Media Specialist/Computer Teacher Big Timber, MT
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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, you send a message 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
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/join.html
* LM_NET Supporters: http://lmnet.wordpress.com/category/links/el-announce/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home