District Accelerated Reader Policy

Lockhart I.S.D.

Accelerated Reader Guidelines

Because we want to encourage students to enjoy reading to build reading stamina, guidelines for the use of Accelerated Reader in Lockhart I.S.D. are:

1. Accelerated Reader should be used as a motivational reading tool that provides bonuses based on points accumulated from books read.  Grades should be used to determine bonus points and the need for teacher intervention/help only.  
2. Campuses should establish expectations for daily independent reading times that should reflect growing maturity and stamina from grade level to grade level.
3. In general, students should be allowed to access the text of informational (nonfiction) books while they take the Accelerated Reader test.  No rigid rule about accessing the text for answers should be established.  Teacher judgment should determine whether or not a student may use the book during the test.
4. Accelerated Reader should NOT be used in LISD as the only reading program.  District curriculum is primary to our vision.  Accelerated Reader is an exciting motivator and valued tool to enhance our existing curriculum.
5. A student should have the freedom to choose books to read for pleasure.  It should be his/her choice as to whether to choose and AR book and whether to choose a picture book or chapter book.  Teachers and parents will guide and encourage students to make choices that pique their children’s interests.  For example, if students finish their books during silent reading time, they will be encouraged to choose longer or more difficult books during their next library visit.   
6. A record of the books read by a student should become part of their portfolio that travels with them from kindergarten through high school.

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