It seems that AR is a "love it or hate it" kind of program. Personally, I love it for many good reasons:
*The points system makes it easy for teachers to track when students reach goals.
*The STAR test is an accurate rating of reading levels.
*It's easy to develop goal and reward programs.
*Students feel proud when they work their way to higher reading levels.
*Computer based testing gives instant feedback.
*It's a highly organized system which makes it ideal for establishing (or expanding) a library.
To be fair, there are things I find to be negative:
*As ScottMom says, there is a lag between book release dates and quiz availability.
*Reading Level does not equal Content Level. For example, many Stephen King titles are in 5th & 6th grade ranges! I love Stephen King but I don't think 10 & 11 year old kids ought to read him.
*Computer based testing replaces the good old fashioned book report. I think students need the writing opportunities book reports provide.
*There is a serious lack of available titles in the 6th grade and higher levels due to content issues.
*If the reward and/or grading system is too dependent on AR points, students will overlook non AR titles, depriving themselves of some truly great books!
Mostly, I think a good library and reading curriculum should try to strike a balance between AR and traditional systems. I think, with a solid effort, they can be integrated .
If you run a Google search on AR you'll get tons (almost too much) info and personal opinions. But if you're seriously considering it, it's worth the research.
Our school used it a lot in years past but not so much recently. The major complaint was that the tests couldn't stay current enough with the books being released that kids wanted to actually read. We have several reading programs throughout our school that have been brought in and refocused the time spent on AR. If you don't have multiple reading programs and support in place, this would be a very good thing and can be fun when used to earn rewards.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
