Accelerated Reader & Detention

[BobK]

Some of the teachers at our school (k - 6th) have a policy of issuing daily recess detentions for children who are not meeting their current A.R. goals. This seems counter-productive to me. I would love to hear other opinions regarding A.R. & discipline. Thanks in advance!

[Ima Teacher]

I can't comment on that unless I know how their goals are being set. IF the goals are being set properly . . . which isn't done in a lot of schools . . . then keeping studnets in from recess for not meeting their goals would be entirely appropriate if it is policy to keep students from recess for incomplete assignments.

But like I said, many schools set inappropriate goals for the students. If all students have the same goals, or they are being assigned goals based on reading outside of the school day then it's NOT being implemented properly.

[dsmms]

If the goal is for the children to hate reading, then they are on the right track. I feel strongly that if we want kids to read, we have to find ways to inspire them - not punish them with it.

[Brit]

what kinds of things are AR goals? I'm sure I've seen them, but under a different name.

I keep kids in to finish unfinished work, but not to augment teaching -- unless the kid willingly agrees to stay in (which, halelujah, in grade 2, they sometimes do -- it's a "treat" to hang out with teh teacher and read!)

[BobK]

I can't comment on that unless I know how their goals are being set. IF the goals are being set properly . . . which isn't done in a lot of schools . . . then keeping studnets in from recess for not meeting their goals would be entirely appropriate if it is policy to keep students from recess for incomplete assignments.

But like I said, many schools set inappropriate goals for the students. If all students have the same goals, or they are being assigned goals based on reading outside of the school day then it's NOT being implemented properly.

The goals are based on reading in the classroom AND outside the classroom. Is there documentation about the appropriate way to set goals?

[Ima Teacher]

Is there documentation about the appropriate way to set goals?

If the school is using the program, then somebody should have all the implementation manuals. You can also download many of the materials from the "help" section of the program.

I'm a trainer for the AR program, and I've been amazed at what kind of "rules" that schools impose on students. Many are completely inappropriate for the program use.

Goals are to be based on the student's reading level and the time given to read during class. Because teachers are supposed to monitor student reading and complete "status of the class", it needs to be done in class. OUtside of class the students can't be monitored properly. Of course, students are always welcome--and encouraged--to read at home. Those students will go OVER their goal.

[Boxcar]

I do not agree with keeping children from recess. I'd go as far as to say that I don't see any reason for this. Gross motor activities are a basic need of children. Recess is their energy outlet. Take it away, and you'll have even more problems.

There are other times and other ways to address the problem of not reading.

Keep in mind that, depending on your demographic, a lot of children don't have the time, support, or enviroments that allow them to read outside of school. This is unfortuante, but thiat is just the way it is. Families do the best they can, but sometimes it just doesn't happen in the ideal way educators want it to occur.

If working with the teacher can be a treat, that is great. I'd try to fit that into the regular day though. I still don't like cutting recess for any child. It is such an important physical, social, and emotional development time. Maybe you could set up some fun centers/games that facilitate group and independant literacy while you work with those who need the extra help. That way, the rest of the class is going something valuable while you give one-on-one.