Accelerated Reader Concerns

Accelerated Reader is a computer-based reading program.  It has been used at North Marshall for several years (even before I came to NMMS).  A student chooses a book, reads it, and then takes a quiz on it.  Each book is given a grade level (for example, 4.3) and a certain number of points.  The grade level of a book is determined by several factors, including book length and vocabulary.  However, the content of the book is not one of those factors.  To correct this, AR also gives an interest level for books.  Some books receive LG for lower grades, MG for middle grades, and UG for upper grades.  One of our new books, Travel Team by Mike Lupica,  has a 5.4 reading level (fifth grade, fourth month) and is worth 11 points. It also has an interest level of MG, which means it is especially appropriate for students in grades 5-8.  Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume, on the other hand, has a grade level of 4.1, but an interest level of UG, which means it is appropriate for upper middle school and high school students.  Many books with lower reading levels are actually written with older students in mind.  A good example is The Fear Street series by R. L. Stine.  Stine writes Goosebumps, which is for elementary students.  He also writes Nightmare Room and Fear Street series, geared to older students, but most of the Fear Street books are written on the fourth grade level.

I have talked to parents who are concerned that their children are reading elementary titles because the reading level on the books are below the 6th grade.  Just keep in mind that content is not a factor in determining reading level.  Interest level, and not grade level, is probably more of an indication of  how much enjoyment your child will receive from a particular book.