Re: [LM_NET] rigging AR

[Teresa Schauer <pettushs@GMAIL.COM>]

I am replying to the whole list, only because whenever this topic comes up
and I respond, I get a ton of feedback.  The whole "AR Debate" is one I am
very passionate about because the bottom line is, the majority of complaints
about the program involve how it's being implemented.   There is a load of
information available about AR on our library site:
http://pettuslibrary.net/misconceptions.htm

Remember, it's about finding the perfect book for each student--and once a
student is no loger emmerging as a reader, finding that book typically has
NOTHING to do with its book level or it's points.

Blessings,

Teresa

On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 5:54 PM, Sara Ralph <bibliophile26@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I disagree...just because there is a bad apple in the cart, doesn't mean we
> need to throw away the entire cart.
>
> Unfortunately, some students (and parents) are dishonest; I would bet money
> that if this student is cheating at AR, he/she is cheating at other things
> as well.
>
> We have prizes at the end of the year for points.  If a student is caught
> "cheating," they are simply removed from the program and no longer
> participate.  Instances are rare (it has been three years since the last
> one) and our reading instruction does not depend heavily on AR; in fact, our
> teachers' instruction in reading focuses more on questions that promote
> higher level thinking (rather than the basic comprehension questions found
> on AR quizzes (at least the reading practice ones).  However, students (esp.
> beginning readers) feel good about themselves when they do well on AR
> (without any prize or incentive).
>
> Sara Ralph, librarian
> Asheboro, NC
>
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Barbara Braxton <barbara.288@BIGPOND.COM>
> To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
> Sent: Wed, April 21, 2010 5:20:45 PM
> Subject: Re: rigging AR
>
> Okay, so I am going to open a can of worms again but ...
>
> What is the problem with students rigging their results in whatever way
> UNLESS...
>
> AR points (and the like) are such an integral part of a school's assessment
> program that students and parents see these as the most important
> indicators
> of a student's reading ability.
>
> And if that is the case, why is this so?  What does it say about the depth
> of a school's reading program and its assessment?  What does it say about
> the quality of the child's learning?  What does it say about the quality of
> the teaching?  If a child is not yet reading independently, how can
> specific
> feedback that focuses on personalised strategies be offered?
>
> I know AR is not meant to be used in this way but it is, and if I were in
> charge of its administration in a school where students felt compelled to
> be
> devious in order to gain points, then I would be looking at the school's
> philosophy to identify why this is so.  In this particular case, I don't
> think that it is solely a parent issue.  If a school's assessment program
> (and the subsequent impacts on the student)  is open to external
> manipulation by those with the money, inclination or opportunity then I
> believe it is the program that needs to be reviewed.
> Barbara
>
>
> Barbara Braxton
> Teacher Librarian
> COOMA NSW 2630
> E.barbara.288@bigpond.com
> Together, we learn from each other
>
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-- 
Teresa Schauer
District Librarian/Pettus ISD
Pettus, Texas
tschauer@pettusisd.esc2.net

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