Ruthe Deskin Elementary School

School Wide Reading Incentive Program

Accelerated Reader Program 

The Accelerated Reader program is a computer software program that tests reading comprehension. Students select books on their reading level, read independently and take an independent comprehension test on the computer.

 Purpose:

The Deskin reading incentive plan is an effort to increase student participation in recreational reading at their independent levels and to broaden their exposure to different genres.  It is an extension of the independent reading component that is already being used in the classrooms. 

 Procedures:

Students will take the Star Assessment during Library class at the beginning of each trimester.  The results will be given to the classroom teachers by the librarian.  Students who choose to read AR labeled books and want to take the tests can do so during Library class or  during lunch time with a pass from their teacher. All AR tests MUST be taken independently, therefore first graders will not begin taking AR tests until January with their teacher's permission.  The first 10 minutes of Library class will be used for testing and checking reading logs.  To make the best use of time in Library class, students who want to test will need to bring a ticket that has the title and author listed, which will also be their pass to come during Open Library lunch time.  AR point goals for each trimester will be set at 15 points for 2nd and 3rd graders and 25 points for 4th and 5th graders.  Beginning with the second trimester, 1st graders will have a goal of 5 points.

Genre Component

Students will be introduced to the reading incentive program at the beginning of the school year by the librarian.  A different genre will be highlighted for each month.  The librarian will introduce the genre with related activities.  Each student would be required to read FOUR books per month, three would be "free choice" and one would be in the assigned genre.  If the students chooses an extremely long chapter book, an exception may be made on an individual basis.  These are minimum requirements; the students are encouraged to read additional books during the year.  Students would complete a reading log and have it signed by parents. 

Those who complete the requirements would receive a fast food coupon (or similar reward) or book.  Teachers will report the percentage of their students that met the monthly goal.  A graph will be displayed showing the percentage of grade-level participation.  At the trimester award assemblies, students who participate and reach their goals during the trimester will receive a certificate.  At the end of the year, certificates will be awarded to those who have participated throughout the year (have read 36 books and/or exceeded the goal).  Students who have completed the Genre Activities will participate in a special "Reading Celebration".

Click the link to the right for a list of the books available in the Deskin Library that can be tested with the Accerlerated Reader Program. The books are listed in alphabetical order. Under the grade level heading, a 2.5 would mean 2nd grade 5th month. Your child would have been placed at their independent reading level with the Star Reading Computer Software Program we have at school. Check with your child's teacher to find out what that level is.