Accelerated Reader Program 2006-2007 

    The successful Accelerated Reader Program is being implemented once again at Capital High School for the freshman class.  The AR program is a reading program based on a point system. Books are assigned points based on reading difficulty. The more books one reads the more points one gets. The number of points one earns is based on the score one receives on the test one takes.                                                                       

    Books should be chosen on or about one's reading level. Books should be a little difficult so as to be challenging, that one cannot read independently. If test is taken and a score of 100% is achieved, the reading level should be increased by at least one grade level. If a test is taken and the individual scores below 85%, the reading level should be lowered to meet the needs of the student. The most effective learning (optimum growth range) takes place at the 85% to 90% range. For this reason if an English teacher uses an AR grade as a book report grade, a score of 85% or higher by the student will be recorded as 100%. We want to encourage students to read more difficult books, especially classic and non-fiction. We do not want  to penalize students for reading the more difficult books: therefore, we will use the above system. One does not have to worry so much about reading "easy" books to get the letter grade one wants. Hopefully, this will encourage students to read more difficult books as well as branch out and try different genres.

   Incentives are as follows:

1.  Humanities Division will have two boards recognizing achievements. The first board will recognize those students who have 15 to 49 points. The second board will recognize those students who have 50 to 74 points. The main board on the first floor by the main office will recognize those students who have 75 or more points.

2. The student will receive a piece of candy for every book report test taken regardless of the score the student makes.

3. The student will receive a coupon to leave three minutes early for lunch if the student scored 85% or higher on a book report test. The coupon will be given to the student by his/her English teacher, and the student is then responsible for showing it to their fourth or fifth period teacher to get out early.

4. The student will receive a prize from a variety of gifts chosen by students who have been selected by the English teacher to go shopping for the class. Mr. Giles, principal of Capital High School, or another administrator or designated person will take the students shopping once per nine weeks. The usual shopping spree is at the local Wal-Mart. Once prizes are selected by the students, I will make a list of prizes which will be posted in the teachers' classroom. Prizes will be awarded at the end of each nine weeks at an assembly.

5. The students receiving awards and certificates will be posted in the monthly posted in the monthly newsletter for CHS. 

6. The students will read in their classes on a rotating schedule.

7. The students will win prizes based on the number of points they have each nine weeks. Points will start over each nine weeks which means the same student could win each nine weeks if he/she has the highest number of points. Prizes will be awarded at the various levels by each English teacher. Each English teacher will have two high achievers for each teacher. Certificates will also be given to each achiever. We hope this will encourage all students to participate.

    Reading is a skill that must be taught, supported, practiced and sustained. Supporting reading activities requires a substantial commitment for caring adults. The effort may be great, but so are the rewards. Children who are read to have higher success rates in school. Children who read frequently develop stronger reading skills and score higher on achievement tests. Please encourage students to read and model reading for students. We know  that scores increase scientifically it all areas when students read more. The more one reads the greater growth. We teachers know that our freshman are going to set new records by improving on test scores across curriculum. Please help us o show what reading can do by encouraging, praising, and recommending books to our students. Last school year was a great success!  Let's do it again!       

    If you have questions or concerns about this program, Mrs. Dow is in Room 208B or Mrs. Williams in Room 138. You may also contact Mrs. Williams by e-mail by clicking on her name.