Capital High School
Accelerated Reader

Capital High School's Accelerated Reader program for the freshman class is starting again. The program is based on a point system, where books are assigned points based on reading difficulty. The number of points a person earns is based on his score on the Accelerated Reader test.

Books should be a little difficult, so as to be challenging, but not so difficult that one cannot read independently. If a student receives a score of 100% on a book report test, then his next books should have a higher reading level. On the other hand, if a student scores below 85%, then his reading level should be lowered appropriately. The most effective learning takes place when students score in the 85% to 90% range. In the event an English teacher uses an AR grade as a book report grade, a score of 85% or higher will be recorded as 100%. This system is meant to encourage students to read more difficult books, without penalizing them with a lower grade.

The Humanities Division will have two boards recognizing achievement. Students will receive a piece of candy for every book report test taken, regardless of the score. Students earning scores 85% or higher on a book report test will receive a coupon to leave three minutes early for lunch from their fourth or fifth period class. Students will in addition receive a special gift from a pool selected by students. Some students will be picked by their English teachers to go to Wal-Mart once per nine weeks with a school administrator. The prices themselves will be awarded at an assembly held every nine weeks. Students will also be recognized with awards and certificates, and on the newsletter and website.

The reading itself will take place on a rotating basis in ninth-grade classes. Students will read AR books for a total of 20 minutes. Teachers also will participate in reading.