What is Accelerated Reader?

One of the tools the sixth grade Language Arts/Reading teachers will be using this year is a computer program called Accelerated Reader. See the "Accelerated Reader" link for more information.

DAILY HOMEWORK

Students are expected to read 30 minutes each day (Monday - Friday) for homework.

Why is reading important?

A number of recent major studies in the U.S. have shown that the most important factor in achieving reading competence is the amount of time spent in the practice of silent, sustained reading. Coaches and music teachers will immediately understand this concept. For example, a young person hoping to become a good basketball player will not gain many skills by sitting in a class watching the coach diagram plays on the blackboard. Rather, he/she needs to be on the court, practicing again and again the skills involved in the sport.

The same is true for reading. We primarily become good readers by reading, not by listening to lectures on reading. Our objective in reading this year is for each student to get at least 45 minutes to 60 minutes of reading practice each day. Studies have shown that this will result in a one-half to one-year increase in reading grade level above normal expected growth. It will also proprtionally increase scores in other subjects.