[CALIBK12] AR/RC

[ladewig]

We are currently using Reading Counts, have many tests, and have many
library books labeled. The teachers who use it the most also have books in
their class labeled. A few teachers who had previous experience with AR (at
other sites) like the advantage of having the STAR testing part. The (new)
principal is considering switching from RC to AR, one reason was the STAR
testing, another was that "AR has a test for EVERY book." Needless to say, I
really don't want to have to re-label the entire library, and I'm not sure
why we want to buy 5,000 plus new AR tests - "one for every book" when we
already have RC tests for nearly all our fiction books (probably 9 out of
10) and many of the nonfiction too. Quite frequently I have kids come in who
just want to read a book "for fun" (imagine that!) - one that they DON'T
have to take a test on! 

 

My computer tech (who has used both systems) and I will be meeting with the
principal next week. We made a list comparing the two programs for the
principal highlighting the plusses and minuses of both systems. One
important feature we like about RC is the ability to take the test more than
once - we feel that for some of our very challenged readers this is
important - they can read the book again and get a "second chance." Having
to read a different book each time and failing because they can't re-test
might be very discouraging. 

 

I know we just finished discussing this on the listserv about a month ago,
but your comments to me at shatz at verizon.net would be appreciated,
especially if you have used both or recently switched.

Thanks,

 

Joanne Ladewig  (A.K.A. "Library Lady")

Library Media Tech

Lawrence Elementary, GGUSD

Garden Grove, California

shatz at verizon.net

 

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark.
Professionals built the Titanic.

Comments are my own and may not represent the views of GGUSD

 

 

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