Accelerated Reader
Hearing from Teachers—Tests
Just wondering if it is possible to use the AR tests for a quick checktest and forget the range that students are supposed to read in. I have always thought that the assigning level to a particular book was fruitless for all the reasons that we have heretofore discussed. And I understand that 10 questions does not a knowledge make. But, it is an incentive for students who need an external prompt to read. I set my sights low: 25 points per quarter for 8th graders. They generally have that done after one Harry Potter or two. Meanwhile, reading workshop runs on and life continues with and without AR. No mess; no fuss.
Response: Absolutely, and it works well for us. We've done that for a long time. I have kids set their own goals, but they can read and take tests on any book that we have. I had been staying out of the dialogue because I'm one of those who has participated in this conversation so many times before.
Response: My kids use the Book Adventure site as "practice" for the AR tests. Here are the instructions: "Book Adventure" is a site on the web that lets you take a practice test on a book you have read. Be warned, however. Not all books will have a practice test available. Here's what to do:
1. Click on the link below for Book Adventure.
2. Once there, click on the Kids Zone button on the left
3. On the next page, click on the Quiz-O-Matic button in the middle. You will need to register as a user.
4. Using the search box, type in the exact title of the book you have read.
5. Take the quiz and print out the results.
http://www.bookadventure.com/ki/rg/ki_rg_start.asp?newuser=1
Hope that helps.
Response: But one of the big problems with AR is the tests. There are so many better ways to find out if a kid has comprehended a book. We really must move away from recall types of assessment and move toward assessments that are more meaningful and engaging.
Response: "Can anyone have access to the tests? My school doesn't do AR, but sometimes I think it would be nice to have a quick assessment for kids who have read a certain book. Are there other test/quiz sites that lots of titles would have tests for? "
AR sells their tests, but here is a site that offers a similar service for free. http://www.bookadventure.com
Response: Check out Jim Burke's website at http://www.englishcompanion.com. While you are there, check out his books.
October 2003
Related Information:
Accelerated Reader (Elementary)
Accelerated Reader (Middle)
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