FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Spelling Tests
Why are there two grades on my child's spelling test?
I take two grades on the spelling test. One grade is over the studied words that the kids practice throughout the week. They receive a 4, 3, 2, or 1 grade. They are also assessed on their ability to generalize the learned spelling pattern to 2 new words that follow the week's spelling patterns. They get a 4, 3, 2, or 1 grade in this area as well.
Accelerated Reader
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer program that tracks students' independent reading through short quizzes taken online.
When can my child take a quiz?
Students can only take quizzes at school. They can take them first thing in the morning, during stations, inside 2nd recess, at the end of the day, and sometimes if they have finished their work early.
How can I track my child's progress?
Students should be recording their quizzes and scores in their iPad Binder. You can also view their progress through your Renaissance Home Connect account. The usernames and passwords were sent home earlier this year. Send me an email if you need another copy.
What is my child's AR goal?
For 1st quarter, all students have a 3 point goal. For 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters, students will set individual goals with me based on their reading level, how they did 1st quarter, and how much time they have to take quizzes during the week. Student goals can be found in their iPad Binder or your Renaissance Home Connect account.
Do they need a certain score?
Students need an overall percent correct of 80% or higher to have met their goal. Even if a student reaches their points goal, they must have an 80% or higher to reach their goal.
How many points are books?
Most picture books are 0.5 points. Most chapter books are 1.0 point. Points earned are determined by the questions answered correctly. For example, if a student answers 4 out of 5 questions correct, they get 0.4 points.
How many questions are on the quizzes?
A picture book is usually 5 questions. Chapter book quizzes can have 10 questions.
Does AR count toward my child's reading grade?
No, AR is not used as part of the reading grade. There is not a punishment for not reaching their quarterly goal. However, students who reach their goal and have 80% correct or higher are invited to a special lunch bunch.
When do they read the books for AR?
Anywhere, anytime! They can even read for AR during their 20 minutes of reading homework each night.
What books can they take quizzes on?
Students have a specific reading level to use for AR. They have their AR reading level on a bookmark kept at school to help them choose books in our classroom library and the school library. You do not have to stick to their exact reading level when choosing books at home or public library. As long as the book is not way too easy or too difficult for them to read, they can read it and take a quiz on it.
Should they take a quiz on every book they read?
No!!! Some books that students have high interest in, won't be AR books or might be too challenging to be quizzed on. Students should be encouraged to read these books. It's important that they feel comfortable browsing texts and topics they're unfamiliar with. They just don't need to take a quiz on them.
Where do they get AR books?
For school library, students are asked to check out one AR book. The second book can be anything they're interested in. Students can borrow one book at a time from our classroom library. You can also get AR books from the Whitehouse or Waterville Libraries. The librarians are very familiar with AR and are happy to help you find books on your student's level that they are interested in. Students can take quizzes on books from home as well.
Go to arbookfind.com to find out if a book is an AR book or check the level.
Why are there two grades on my child's spelling test?
I take two grades on the spelling test. One grade is over the studied words that the kids practice throughout the week. They receive a 4, 3, 2, or 1 grade. They are also assessed on their ability to generalize the learned spelling pattern to 2 new words that follow the week's spelling patterns. They get a 4, 3, 2, or 1 grade in this area as well.
Accelerated Reader
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer program that tracks students' independent reading through short quizzes taken online.
When can my child take a quiz?
Students can only take quizzes at school. They can take them first thing in the morning, during stations, inside 2nd recess, at the end of the day, and sometimes if they have finished their work early.
How can I track my child's progress?
Students should be recording their quizzes and scores in their iPad Binder. You can also view their progress through your Renaissance Home Connect account. The usernames and passwords were sent home earlier this year. Send me an email if you need another copy.
What is my child's AR goal?
For 1st quarter, all students have a 3 point goal. For 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters, students will set individual goals with me based on their reading level, how they did 1st quarter, and how much time they have to take quizzes during the week. Student goals can be found in their iPad Binder or your Renaissance Home Connect account.
Do they need a certain score?
Students need an overall percent correct of 80% or higher to have met their goal. Even if a student reaches their points goal, they must have an 80% or higher to reach their goal.
How many points are books?
Most picture books are 0.5 points. Most chapter books are 1.0 point. Points earned are determined by the questions answered correctly. For example, if a student answers 4 out of 5 questions correct, they get 0.4 points.
How many questions are on the quizzes?
A picture book is usually 5 questions. Chapter book quizzes can have 10 questions.
Does AR count toward my child's reading grade?
No, AR is not used as part of the reading grade. There is not a punishment for not reaching their quarterly goal. However, students who reach their goal and have 80% correct or higher are invited to a special lunch bunch.
When do they read the books for AR?
Anywhere, anytime! They can even read for AR during their 20 minutes of reading homework each night.
What books can they take quizzes on?
Students have a specific reading level to use for AR. They have their AR reading level on a bookmark kept at school to help them choose books in our classroom library and the school library. You do not have to stick to their exact reading level when choosing books at home or public library. As long as the book is not way too easy or too difficult for them to read, they can read it and take a quiz on it.
Should they take a quiz on every book they read?
No!!! Some books that students have high interest in, won't be AR books or might be too challenging to be quizzed on. Students should be encouraged to read these books. It's important that they feel comfortable browsing texts and topics they're unfamiliar with. They just don't need to take a quiz on them.
Where do they get AR books?
For school library, students are asked to check out one AR book. The second book can be anything they're interested in. Students can borrow one book at a time from our classroom library. You can also get AR books from the Whitehouse or Waterville Libraries. The librarians are very familiar with AR and are happy to help you find books on your student's level that they are interested in. Students can take quizzes on books from home as well.
Go to arbookfind.com to find out if a book is an AR book or check the level.