I’m sure most of the parents at Marengo have heard their children talk about “AR”, but what exactly is it?  It’s a research based reading program designed to help every student become a successful and, hopefully, lifelong reader.  The more a student reads the better a reader they become.

            So, here are a few AR basics.  First, points.  Points equal practice.  The more points they accumulate the more practice they have put in.  But, if their average is not between 85% - 92% on the AR tests they take, then it’s not the kind of practice that will improve their reading.  It’s like practicing being a pitcher and always standing either just a few feet from the catcher or way at the other end of the field.  Sure you’re putting a lot of time into throwing that ball, but are you becoming a better pitcher?  Probably not.  You need to start at a comfortable distance and gradually increase the distance that you are throwing the ball.  That kind of practice makes for a better pitcher. 

            Which leads me to the second item, ZPD or Zone of Proximal Development.  This is the range of book reading levels that makes for the best practice to improve reading ability.  Most of the books in our library are tagged with their reading level on the spine of the book.  So check your child’s book.  Ask them what their ZPD is.  Make time for reading every night.  Try turning off the TV for 15 - 30 minutes every night and just reading together as a family.  Remember, the more a child reads the better a reader they become.  

Students may test on books that were read to them, someone read with them, or books read independently.  We call this T/W/I, or To/With/ Independent.  The following certificates can be earned.

Ready Reader- Students must accumulate 5 points on books Read To them or With them.  They must meet the scoring requirements on the AR test.

Rising Reader- Students must independently read 3 books with a level of 1.6 or higher and accumulate 10 points.  Only books read Independently will count and they must meet the scoring requirements on the AR test.

Super Reader- Students must independently read 3 books with a level of 2.0 or higher that are worth at least 1 point each.  Only books read Independently will count and they must meet the scoring requirements on the AR test.

Advanced Reader- Students must independently read 3 books with a level of 3.0 or higher that are worth at least 2 points each.  Only books read Independently will count and they must meet the scoring requirements on the AR test.

Star Reader- Students must independently read 3 books with a level of 4.0 or higher that are worth at least 4 points each.  Only books read Independently will count and they must meet the scoring requirements on the AR test.

Classic Reader- Students must independently read 3 books with a level of 6.0 or higher that are worth at least 7 points each.  Only books read Independently will count and they must meet the scoring requirements on the AR test.