Accelerated Reader Program

The Accelerated Reader Program at Oak Grove Elementary School has several purposes.  It has been shown to improve the student's skill level; therefore, it will increase the student's chance for academic success.  Students are encouraged to read and to test, in this computer-assisted program, at their instructional level (their zone of proximal development). This level is determined by the student's T-CAP test scores and by the S.T.A.R. reading test, as well as by his/her performance on quizzes.  Reading in this zone gives them the best opportunity to get the maximum amount of improvement from their efforts.  This program will encourage a life-long habit and love of reading.

In the A.R. program, students are evaluated for their understanding of the stories they read.  Those scores are recorded in the computer program, and points are earned and recorded for the student, determined by the score they earned.  The student and his/her teacher monitor the student's progress to encourage improvement.  All students may be successful in the program.  Students achieve levels in A.R. based upon their current level of skill, and by the progress they make as they practice on successively harder materials.  The following levels are our levels of certification for students who are able to read independently, with an average of 85-92% accuracy:

Level

Number of Books

Point Value

Level

Points

Independent

3

n/a

n/a

10

Super

3

1.0 or higher

n/a

25

Advanced Reader I

3

2.0 or higher

n/a

45

Advanced Reader II

3

2.0 or higher

n/a

70

Star Reader I

3

3.0 or higher

4th or higher

120

Star Reader II

5

5.0 or higher

5th

170

Star Reader III

10

5.0 or higher

5th

220

Falcon I Reader

3
3
3

1.0
2.0
3.0

3rd or higher

245

Falcon II Reader

2

3
4

2.0
3.0

4.0

4th or higher

275

Falcon III Reader

3
3
3

1.0
2.0
3.0

3rd or higher

320

Falcon IV Reader

3
3
3

4.0
5.0
6.0

5th or higher

370

Falcon V Reader

2
2
2
2
2

2

1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0

6.0

5th or higher

420

Classic Reader

3

10.0

7th or higher

470

At Oak Grove, we have also seen the need to recognize the hard work of students who are unable to be Independent Readers.  Some of these students are simply not ready for reading independently, and others are students who have special needs, and who reap great benefits from reading with someone else.

These are the levels designed for students who read, or are read to, and who are able to maintain 60-92% accuracy on  the comprehension questions:

Level *

Points

Progressive Reader I

10

Progressive Reader II

25

Progressive Reader III

45

Progressive Reader IV

70

Progressive Reader V

120

Progressive Reader VI

170

 * These levels continue to advance, with point values parallel to the previous awards, as needed.

The points students earn may be "spent" at our A.R. store for prizes (from small trinkets to nicer items).  Points are also exchanged for or rewarded by special events, such as reward movies, skating parties, etc.  Rewards are mainly for individual achievement; however, there are some classroom rewards that reward the group (team) effort.  The A.R. store will be open at intervals during the year.  Students may visit the store to set goals for prizes they would like to work toward.

There will be several celebrations throughout the year that recognize the achievement and hard work of our students.  These programs are intended as motivation for all students.  There will be drawings and prizes presented randomly to A.R. participants.  There is no telling who might show up, or what might happen, at one of these events!  One thing is for sure; there will be fun for all!  Parents are welcome at these events; however, seating is limited.

Throughout the year, there are activities that reward the students for their work.  For several years, our school board has sponsored a trip to a Chattanooga Lookouts game in early May (grades 3-5), with the cost (students are charged points) and guidelines as soon as game is arranged.  Other activities will be arranged as alternatives to this game.

A special event is planned at the end of the year for the (2) top point earners in each class who maintained an appropriate average (85 or above).  The (2) top readers in each class will also receive an award at their grade's Awards Night program.

Oak Grove also has an all day outing for all students who achieve a certain number of points and who maintain an appropriate average during the year. The student's grade level determines the number of points that must be maintained to participate in the end of the year event. The required average for students is 80% or above, except for Kindergarten, first semester 1^st graders and special needs students, who must maintain an average of 60% or above.   The points needed are as follows:

Kindergarten

25 points

1st Grade

50 points

2nd Grade

60 points

3rd - 5th Grade

75 points

All activities are subject to board approval and to possible date changes due to school conflicts.  Some activities may include some expense to parents.  The points for these activities, and for the top point earners, must be earned by April 27^th.  There are also prizes for top 3 point earners in Oak Grove's K-2 and 3rd-5^th grades. Hopefully, we will be able to offer the Family Reading Night again this year.  We will send home information as soon as approval is given for this activity.

May 4^th  - A.R. ends for year – and is the deadline for submission for any county wide recognition (as yet unannounced).