Thank you Bev, for that zucchini metaphor. I love it. I was a little surprised therefore, when you went on to say that you use AR. I don't know if anyone else missed the last part of your posting: "Let me compare and contrast some different methods of using AR." There was nothing after that - would you mind resending that?
When I went back to work last Monday, I had no idea I'd be spending so much time researching AR. I guess it's similar to beginning the new year with a classroom of new personalities. You can have all the ideas and plans you want, but in the end, you respond to their needs. Marg -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of Beverlee Paul Sent: Mon 9/3/2007 12:25 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Accelerated Reader This post makes me think of zucchini stories, which always start with, "Do you know why small towners lock their cars only in August?" followed by "So noone gifts them with more zucchini." At this time of year, there are always recipes passed around for "brownies with zucchini" "zucchini banana bread," etc., always accompanied by the disclaimer that "you can't even taste the zucchini." Well, what I've always wondered was--if zucchini is used only as something that adds nothing to its dish, why use zucchini at all? What's wrong with just brownies or plain banana bread?? This post pretty much follows the zucchini theory, I think. If you are "teaching reading strategies, using lit circles, doing mini-lessons, reading aloud, and implementing readers' workshop," why in the world would you need AR? Your dish stands alone!!!! I realize that I'm taking a chance on jumping into the discussion on a hot button issue like AR. I have very mixed feelings about the program, but I do continue to use it in my classroom. I'll try to explain why I think it has value. To me, AR serves as a record-keeping and management program - no more, no less. I would not classify my use of the program as assessment because the test questions aren't the greatest and they definitely don't inspire anyone to think deeply about their reading. If someone used AR as their entire reading program, they would be doing themselves and their children a great disservice. However, if you are teaching reading strategies, using Literature Circles, doing reading-minilessons, reading aloud, and/or implementing a reading workshop, I think AR can have its place. I've heard horror stories about the way some schools implement AR, and I would fight to the bitter end against some of the things I've been told about. Let me compare and contrast some different methods of using AR: _________________________________________________________________ Gear up for Halo® 3 with free downloads and an exclusive offer. http://gethalo3gear.com?ocid=SeptemberWLHalo3_MSNHMTxt_1
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