Marg, I think it's all in the way it's implemented and used by the teachers. Our district has had AR for several years (12 elementary schools). Interestingly enough, each school seems to have made it's own revisions on the program. Some schools only let their kids check out a new AR book weekly during their regular AR time. I have heard horror stories from teachers at one school whose librarian seemed to think she could dictate what books the kids got to check out. I personally think we do AR closer to what the program should be like than any other school here. Here goes: We dedicate one hour daily to AR. Why? because some of these kids never pick up a book outside of school. Our librarian opens the library to the school from 10-11:30 (to accomodate those who have a different recess time). This hour allows time for reading mini-lessons and for the kids to get fresh books when they need them. We use the STAR program to initially set reading levels, but quickly adjust those to where students are comfortable. The kids pick whatever they want to read. Because of money we receive for AR books, we have built a really great library full of non-fiction at all levels as well as fiction. We do not use AR as an incentive program. Strangely enough, just getting to read and take the tests (the kids like that) seems to be enough. Recognition comes in the form of participating in a hall run high-fiving the other students as they line the halls when students meet their annual goals. No t-shirts, gimics or prizes. As you say, extrinsic rewards have not proven to be effective. I know the tests do not teach comprehension. That is our job in the classroom. We teach them to dig in and to also enjoy the reading. The tests do give some accountability. I can check the program to see who is reading and who is just playing around when I'm not watching. AR at our school didn't start out like this, but we are evolving. We are doing Strategy study this year with our teachers in hopes that all of them will at least be willing to try this. Our AR time is custom-made for the self=selected reading time after strategy workshop. It's all in what you make it to be, how you set it up, and how you use. it. Cheryle New Mexico
************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
