Welcome to Exploring Education Through Technology! We will use Robert Marzano's Classroom Instruction that Works as a vehicle to generate conversation!
Step 1: Introduce Yourself! Not only your name, but title and school.
Step 2: Describe any experience you have had with blogs. It's okay if this is your first blogging journey!
Step 3: Simply interact! Don't hesitate to comment.
I think good teachers instinctively know to "activate prior knowledge." Although I've made a committment to not "griping" about accountability testing because I believe that those who put Marzano's principles into effect can achieve success on EOG/EOC tests as well as concentrate on "higher level" questions. This is where I get on my soap box about AR (accelerated reader). I have found that AR is predominately made up of "lower level" questions and I can find no research based practices that support AR as a punitive tool. Even Renaissance Learning, the parent company supports AR only as an enrichment/no punishment/incentive based program. However, as an elementary principal, I encountered battle after battle with teachers taking AR tests as grades and actually posting an AR grade on the report card. What's your experience with this?
I have had experiences with a similar program called Reading Counts- Scholastic. In htat school, the principal REQUIRED teachers to use the scores as part of their quarterly grades. However, we used Reading Counts as an incentive- students used their points to shop in the "Reading Counts" store each quarter. In addition, awards were given out for top readers.
I can relate to what Jenna is saying. I don't teach a grade that uses AR but I have chidren in 4th and 8th grade. AR is a necessary "evil" to them. My daughter lost all interest in reading in 3rd grade because of the point and grading system. Most of those questions are the lowest of taxonomy questions. My friend is an assistant pricipal at a Georgia school and they use AR for whole school incentives. If the whole school earns "X" amount of points in a grading period they have water day, a program, or she gets a pie in the face. This doesn't put one particular child on the spot. I think teachers are just set in their ways and feel they are held accountable and this is giving them a way to show numbers for accountabiliity that children are reading. I think if it came down from higher up and an alternative was given them most of them would change. But...with AR the children are really responsible for most of the implication. They read, they log in, they take the test, the teacher collects the data. Most of our grades now factor AR into the overall reading grade I think for my children it is 1/5 of their reading grade. I actually read that Renaissance website also and was shocked to find they didn't promote their program for grades. Does anyone use something different or AR in another way?
We use AR but it is never a grade. It is just a way to know if our students read at home. In addition, when I write a test I make sure the questions are a bit higher level. But all we want to know is did they REALLY read. AR can tell us that! I don't like the idea of using it for the grade in any way. That said, a lot of my students get the lower level questions wrong because they do not read carefully and maybe it is one way of learning to be careful. We do all our tests as open book tests since that is more appropriate for both real life learning (usually you can look up something) and for the test (you should look back in the passage for the answer).
Besides AR, I have had another experience with questions. I printed the Revised Bloom's off the website I gave you all and have been using those to help me balance my questions and it really helps to have that "cheat sheet" right there with me as I ask questions.
I don't have any experience with AR yet. But, can I say that I am terrified!!! I have a second grader that struggled with his reading at the beginning of the year, but has since came along like a champ. The thoughts of not only have to score a certain score, but having all those test factor into his overall grade is a little scary. He already doesn't enjoy having to sit down and focus on the reading. THe thoughts of the added pressure of having to score a certain score to get credit is discouraging.
My nephew is in 3rd grade and has hated doing AR all year. My sister in law said he has to score 90% to get credit for the test. He is taking an AR test every week. That has to be so frustating for students. I don't look forward to it at all. I really like the thoughts of using it as a reward for the school or class. Used this way students have an "incentive" to read and do well. It may relieve some of the pressure and anxiety that comes along with a "test".
Y'all are all probably wishing I'd stop being so long winded, but this is a topic I have to deal with on a daily basis! I too think AR is a low level, picky detail, kind of program. I, too, dislike it as a grade. I am out voted regularly...
I teach seventh and eighth grade literature classes. AR is the nemesis of most of my kids, even the AIG kids. We formulated a plan that incorporates AR, but does not require a set number of points. We require that the kids read books. Three per six weeks. They take the AR test as a way of demonstrating they have read the book, but they can also do a book report if they do poorly on the AR test or it no AR test exists. My problem is I'd rather my kids read higher level books and stop focusing on the number of books they read. So if it is a lengthy book, I count it as two books. If it's WAY lengthy, I count it as three books. I just want them to read because we all know the more you read, the better you read, and the better you write! SO just read!!
We give a grade on how many books a student reads in a six weeks and we average that number with the AR % correct or the grades from book reports. I go along with this because there has to be a measure of accountability, but I strive to have the kids read...and tweak the numbers accordingly!!
Me again...my son is in second grade. He isn't "required" to earn AR points. It's something kids can do after they finish their work and the teacher posts stars for the points the child earns. The problem I see in doing it this way is that a good reader who struggles in math may never have the time to take an AR test. So there are no stars by that name. The message is mixed, at best. There seems to be little emphasis on reading outside of class when it is measured this way. I have never liked posting charts and stars regardless of what it shows because someone always ends up feeling badly about their results. The last place we want kids to feel badly about themselves is in their ability to read. :/
I get that the idea of AR is to encourage reading outside of class, and we all know why, but there needs to be a better way.
OK....I am climbing upon my soapbox with the notion that I may get knocked off, but here goes.
I'm sticking my neck out here, but the reason I think that AR is emphasized so much in our county is that we have sunk so much money into the program that it is hard to justify not using it (MY opinion).
I am a media person so I am supposed to support and really buy in to AR....right? WRONG! I do not know how every child reads or where their levels are, so I provide AR as a tool for the teachers at my schools to use however they see fit. I manage the program databases, pay for the license, give the kids DEAR time, and provide support...that's all.
Now, some teachers use the program with incentives, some use it as a grade (or part of the reading grade), some use it as a classroom challenge, etc. That is entirely up to them, however I continue to emphasize that AR is only a tool....just like STAR Reading. My daughter is in 2nd grade but according to the STAR test is reading on a 3-4th grade level. I hope it is correct, but I am not nieve enough to think that she didn't 'guess' at some of the questions and probably guessed correctly. Because a child can pass a test does not mean he/she fully understands the questions that are being asked. It is multiple guess at best.
In order for it to work, the AR program must be customized for each student b/c each student does not read on the same level. So, if you tell your class they have to have X number of points this grading period, and little Johnny (not a person...just a name for example purposes only) cannot achieve these points regardless of how hard he tries, he is being punished because he did not meet the expectations set out for him. Now, where did his self confidence and moral just go.....yep....down the toilet! Plus you just gave him another reason to hate reading.
AR is not a blanket program. Not all kids in the 4th grade are reading on a 4th grade level and not all kids can achieve 15 points in 6 weeks, no matter how hard they try.
I suggest that if a teacher chooses to use AR, rather than points, they consider using it as a stepping stone for reading. The program should be customized for each of their students, and the students need to know what is expected of them. For example, that they should read X number of books on his/her level (be it 1st grade or 7th grade) and test on those books, achieving a set percentage (say 70%). They do need to achieve a certain percentage on the test to prove they read more than the title and end pages of the book, but it isn't the end of the world if they don't. All I ask is that teachers do not make kids hate reading because of AR. I see it everyday and it isn't a pretty site.
Renee -- i totally agree! My daughter is a 3rd grader and although she has been taking AR test from the beginning of the year -- I know that she has learned a lot and now really enjoys reading, but I don't think that every child reads the same either and the AR testing should not be a blanket!!
Teaching in high school -- I have found that my students don't want to read (for the most part)BUT.. I just asked some of my students about the high school AR -- for the most part - they like the AR test -- one said they have to read the book to past the test!! But, again each student is different and they all read on different levels.
For several years, I have seen students coming in to high school with a hatred toward reading. The mere mention of AR and the students groan. I use AR in my classes just to get the students back interested in reading. AR tells me what their reading level is and I let students select books that are very near, at or above their reading level. The test is used to make sure they read the book. They are required to read one book (points do not matter) one grading period and take a test. It counts toward their participation grade. The other grading periods, the students are allowed to bring in books from home (with parents permission) or they read magazines that I provide (technology or consumer-related. My goal is to get them back to enjoy reading something!
Thanks for the support. I really like the way Pam uses AR....Like I said, it is a tool. It should be used in a way that enhances reading not in a way that puts all the students underneath one blanket (same grade level, same number of points). In library, I encourage students to read what ever they want to read. Boys like hunting, cars, racing, mostly non-fiction so I encourage them to read these types of books. Girls (most of them anyway) like girly stuff, so there again, that is what I encourage. I also keep magazines for them as well.
I really don't know that much about AR except from my experience in school with it. We had to get a certain amount of points per six weeks. For me the tests were very easy, but if it weren't for this program, I don't think I would have read any books outside of school. Maybe it is an effort to get kids to read more.
As for standardized tests, I am fortunate not to have that pressure. However, I believe teachers who do there job day in and day out will achieve the scores they are needing. Yes, some classes are harder than others, and some students just don't care. I do think EOG's can be over stressed so that students do not enjoy learning because of all the pressure. Just my opinion.
I, like Shanna, only know about AR through my experience with it in school. I can remember reading the Little House on the Prairie books and taking tests on them (because those books counted high in POINTS, which tells you I was more concerned with points than with what I REALLY loved to read). I can remember searching through the library books to see which book had A LOT of points, but I don't remember a whole lot about it other than that!
I agree with many of you that AR should not be used as a grade. Like Ronda said, it is a good way to see if they really read. I am not sure how I would use AR if I were teaching. It has helped to read all the seasoned teacher's comments about it, though! It has helped me gain a more well-rounded view about it all.
I think good teachers instinctively know to "activate prior knowledge." Although I've made a committment to not "griping" about accountability testing because I believe that those who put Marzano's principles into effect can achieve success on EOG/EOC tests as well as concentrate on "higher level" questions. This is where I get on my soap box about AR (accelerated reader). I have found that AR is predominately made up of "lower level" questions and I can find no research based practices that support AR as a punitive tool. Even Renaissance Learning, the parent company supports AR only as an enrichment/no punishment/incentive based program. However, as an elementary principal, I encountered battle after battle with teachers taking AR tests as grades and actually posting an AR grade on the report card. What's your experience with this?
ReplyDeleteI have had experiences with a similar program called Reading Counts- Scholastic. In htat school, the principal REQUIRED teachers to use the scores as part of their quarterly grades. However, we used Reading Counts as an incentive- students used their points to shop in the "Reading Counts" store each quarter. In addition, awards were given out for top readers.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to what Jenna is saying. I don't teach a grade that uses AR but I have chidren in 4th and 8th grade. AR is a necessary "evil" to them. My daughter lost all interest in reading in 3rd grade because of the point and grading system. Most of those questions are the lowest of taxonomy questions. My friend is an assistant pricipal at a Georgia school and they use AR for whole school incentives. If the whole school earns "X" amount of points in a grading period they have water day, a program, or she gets a pie in the face. This doesn't put one particular child on the spot. I think teachers are just set in their ways and feel they are held accountable and this is giving them a way to show numbers for accountabiliity that children are reading. I think if it came down from higher up and an alternative was given them most of them would change. But...with AR the children are really responsible for most of the implication. They read, they log in, they take the test, the teacher collects the data. Most of our grades now factor AR into the overall reading grade I think for my children it is 1/5 of their reading grade. I actually read that Renaissance website also and was shocked to find they didn't promote their program for grades. Does anyone use something different or AR in another way?
ReplyDeleteWe use AR but it is never a grade. It is just a way to know if our students read at home. In addition, when I write a test I make sure the questions are a bit higher level. But all we want to know is did they REALLY read. AR can tell us that! I don't like the idea of using it for the grade in any way.
ReplyDeleteThat said, a lot of my students get the lower level questions wrong because they do not read carefully and maybe it is one way of learning to be careful. We do all our tests as open book tests since that is more appropriate for both real life learning (usually you can look up something) and for the test (you should look back in the passage for the answer).
Besides AR, I have had another experience with questions. I printed the Revised Bloom's off the website I gave you all and have been using those to help me balance my questions and it really helps to have that "cheat sheet" right there with me as I ask questions.
I don't have any experience with AR yet. But, can I say that I am terrified!!! I have a second grader that struggled with his reading at the beginning of the year, but has since came along like a champ. The thoughts of not only have to score a certain score, but having all those test factor into his overall grade is a little scary. He already doesn't enjoy having to sit down and focus on the reading. THe thoughts of the added pressure of having to score a certain score to get credit is discouraging.
ReplyDeleteMy nephew is in 3rd grade and has hated doing AR all year. My sister in law said he has to score 90% to get credit for the test. He is taking an AR test every week. That has to be so frustating for students. I don't look forward to it at all. I really like the thoughts of using it as a reward for the school or class. Used this way students have an "incentive" to read and do well. It may relieve some of the pressure and anxiety that comes along with a "test".
Y'all are all probably wishing I'd stop being so long winded, but this is a topic I have to deal with on a daily basis! I too think AR is a low level, picky detail, kind of program. I, too, dislike it as a grade. I am out voted regularly...
ReplyDeleteI teach seventh and eighth grade literature classes. AR is the nemesis of most of my kids, even the AIG kids. We formulated a plan that incorporates AR, but does not require a set number of points. We require that the kids read books. Three per six weeks. They take the AR test as a way of demonstrating they have read the book, but they can also do a book report if they do poorly on the AR test or it no AR test exists. My problem is I'd rather my kids read higher level books and stop focusing on the number of books they read. So if it is a lengthy book, I count it as two books. If it's WAY lengthy, I count it as three books. I just want them to read because we all know the more you read, the better you read, and the better you write! SO just read!!
We give a grade on how many books a student reads in a six weeks and we average that number with the AR % correct or the grades from book reports. I go along with this because there has to be a measure of accountability, but I strive to have the kids read...and tweak the numbers accordingly!!
Me again...my son is in second grade. He isn't "required" to earn AR points. It's something kids can do after they finish their work and the teacher posts stars for the points the child earns. The problem I see in doing it this way is that a good reader who struggles in math may never have the time to take an AR test. So there are no stars by that name. The message is mixed, at best. There seems to be little emphasis on reading outside of class when it is measured this way. I have never liked posting charts and stars regardless of what it shows because someone always ends up feeling badly about their results. The last place we want kids to feel badly about themselves is in their ability to read. :/
ReplyDeleteI get that the idea of AR is to encourage reading outside of class, and we all know why, but there needs to be a better way.
OK....I am climbing upon my soapbox with the notion that I may get knocked off, but here goes.
ReplyDeleteI'm sticking my neck out here, but the reason I think that AR is emphasized so much in our county is that we have sunk so much money into the program that it is hard to justify not using it (MY opinion).
I am a media person so I am supposed to support and really buy in to AR....right? WRONG! I do not know how every child reads or where their levels are, so I provide AR as a tool for the teachers at my schools to use however they see fit. I manage the program databases, pay for the license, give the kids DEAR time, and provide support...that's all.
Now, some teachers use the program with incentives, some use it as a grade (or part of the reading grade), some use it as a classroom challenge, etc. That is entirely up to them, however I continue to emphasize that AR is only a tool....just like STAR Reading. My daughter is in 2nd grade but according to the STAR test is reading on a 3-4th grade level. I hope it is correct, but I am not nieve enough to think that she didn't 'guess' at some of the questions and probably guessed correctly. Because a child can pass a test does not mean he/she fully understands the questions that are being asked. It is multiple guess at best.
In order for it to work, the AR program must be customized for each student b/c each student does not read on the same level. So, if you tell your class they have to have X number of points this grading period, and little Johnny (not a person...just a name for example purposes only) cannot achieve these points regardless of how hard he tries, he is being punished because he did not meet the expectations set out for him. Now, where did his self confidence and moral just go.....yep....down the toilet! Plus you just gave him another reason to hate reading.
AR is not a blanket program. Not all kids in the 4th grade are reading on a 4th grade level and not all kids can achieve 15 points in 6 weeks, no matter how hard they try.
I suggest that if a teacher chooses to use AR, rather than points, they consider using it as a stepping stone for reading. The program should be customized for each of their students, and the students need to know what is expected of them. For example, that they should read X number of books on his/her level (be it 1st grade or 7th grade) and test on those books, achieving a set percentage (say 70%). They do need to achieve a certain percentage on the test to prove they read more than the title and end pages of the book, but it isn't the end of the world if they don't. All I ask is that teachers do not make kids hate reading because of AR. I see it everyday and it isn't a pretty site.
Renee,
ReplyDeletePreach it sister!!!
Renee -- i totally agree! My daughter is a 3rd grader and although she has been taking AR test from the beginning of the year -- I know that she has learned a lot and now really enjoys reading, but I don't think that every child reads the same either and the AR testing should not be a blanket!!
ReplyDeleteTeaching in high school -- I have found that my students don't want to read (for the most part)BUT.. I just asked some of my students about the high school AR -- for the most part - they like the AR test -- one said they have to read the book to past the test!! But, again each student is different and they all read on different levels.
For several years, I have seen students coming in to high school with a hatred toward reading. The mere mention of AR and the students groan. I use AR in my classes just to get the students back interested in reading. AR tells me what their reading level is and I let students select books that are very near, at or above their reading level. The test is used to make sure they read the book. They are required to read one book (points do not matter) one grading period and take a test. It counts toward their participation grade. The other grading periods, the students are allowed to bring in books from home (with parents permission) or they read magazines that I provide (technology or consumer-related. My goal is to get them back to enjoy reading something!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support. I really like the way Pam uses AR....Like I said, it is a tool. It should be used in a way that enhances reading not in a way that puts all the students underneath one blanket (same grade level, same number of points). In library, I encourage students to read what ever they want to read. Boys like hunting, cars, racing, mostly non-fiction so I encourage them to read these types of books. Girls (most of them anyway) like girly stuff, so there again, that is what I encourage. I also keep magazines for them as well.
ReplyDeleteI really don't know that much about AR except from my experience in school with it. We had to get a certain amount of points per six weeks. For me the tests were very easy, but if it weren't for this program, I don't think I would have read any books outside of school. Maybe it is an effort to get kids to read more.
ReplyDeleteAs for standardized tests, I am fortunate not to have that pressure. However, I believe teachers who do there job day in and day out will achieve the scores they are needing. Yes, some classes are harder than others, and some students just don't care. I do think EOG's can be over stressed so that students do not enjoy learning because of all the pressure. Just my opinion.
I, like Shanna, only know about AR through my experience with it in school. I can remember reading the Little House on the Prairie books and taking tests on them (because those books counted high in POINTS, which tells you I was more concerned with points than with what I REALLY loved to read). I can remember searching through the library books to see which book had A LOT of points, but I don't remember a whole lot about it other than that!
ReplyDeleteI agree with many of you that AR should not be used as a grade. Like Ronda said, it is a good way to see if they really read. I am not sure how I would use AR if I were teaching. It has helped to read all the seasoned teacher's comments about it, though! It has helped me gain a more well-rounded view about it all.