I have been reading the discussion about AR for the past few days and agree with much of it and disagree with some of it. AR is not a program for teaching reading or the love of reading. It is simply a way for a teacher to see if a student might understand some of othe basic things they are reading independently. The reports that a teacher receives can help in finding out where "some" comprehension problems might be happening. If a student is reading level 2 books and getting 100%, but scores very low on level 3, the teacher knows they need help in choosing shorter books with higher vocabulary until they are able to understand the books. It is the teachers responsibility to use the reports to help the students. NO, it is not the all-fired sure way, but it does help. I can see when students continually read books that are too easy for them. They are not challenging themselves to get any better. Granted, students need to be able to choose an easy book, but not all the time. I always use the example of piano lessons with my students. If a student is playing level 4 music, they might like to go back and play throught their primer or level 2 books just for a fun relaxing time. But if that is all they practice, they will never get better. So it is with reading. AR helps me help students. We don't spent points for anything. My students do earn the certificates that are built in with the program. Does it work as motivation for everyone, no, but for some, yes. Maybe it is just the ones who love to read, so what is bad about recognizing them? I have other things to help recognize the ones who struggle with reading. Lori in Utah
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