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Fourth Grade Accelerated Reader Program
1. Select a book. Students make their own choice with parents overseeing. Students may choose any book that has an AR test made for it. To find out whether your book has an AR test, consult www.arbookfind.com. Please don’t allow your student to read a book and plan on taking a test without checking this list. There is nothing we can do if a book is read without there being a test and they will not get credit for reading it.
2. Read the book. Students then read their books at their own pace. Books need to be at school everyday and especially for DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read). There should also be 20 minutes set aside at home for DEAR reading every night so their book should go home every night.
3. Take the test. Many students find this to be one of the most fun parts of the program. They take a computerized test, featuring 5, 10, or 20 multiple-choice comprehension questions. The program tells the student how many questions he or she answered correctly. It shows the answers for the questions missed and awards reading points. Reading points are based on the book’s point value and the number of correct answers. If the student passes the test, we know that the student really has read and understood the book. Tests may only be taken once and cannot be deleted. Do not wait until the end of the nine weeks! Be very careful to choose books within your student’s reading level. Books that are above reading level may be worth more points, but if they don’t pass the test, they do not receive the points. Points are given only if the students pass the test and are adjusted according to the percentage, so they may receive some points.
For the first nine week period each student will need to read books and take tests in order to earn a total of 10 points. They can read as many books as they like and at any reading level as long as they have 10 points by the end of the nine weeks. If they complete more then 10 points they will receive extra credit. Less then 10 points will result in a lower letter grade. AR grades are calculated as a test grade in the nine weeks. After the first nine weeks individual students will have their point requirements increased according to ability. The percentage goal for correct answers is 85% and needs to be maintained throughout the year. Their percentage will also be averaged in as a test grade for the nine weeks.
What if a student watches the movie and doesn't read the book?
Tests are designed to check for reading comprehension, not movie comprehension. In fact, test writers are now creating "movie-proof" tests.
What if I still don't get it?
Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions. I'll be glad to help!
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