George Hall is a Reading Renaissance school. Accelerated Reader is one component of Reading Renaissance that has been very successful for us. Our students read books of their choice on a level that has been determined by a standardized test to be their independent reading level(IRL). The test we use here is the STAR test which is also a Reading Renaissance product. Once the children have tested and their IRL has been determined, they begin reading and taking tests as often as possible. As students pass tests with a score of 80% or higher, they move to the next level. Our younger students, kindergarten through third grade read 3 books and pass 3 tests before moving up to the next level. Our fourth and fifth graders are moved up, or down, by their teachers depending on their success, or need for improvement, at each level. Students are able to be certified readers at 7 different levels. As each level is achieved, students receive a certificate and a small reward. Each quarter all of the students who certify at any level are invited to participate in an AR Parade.

Videocast link to George Hall student reporter Josuha, commenting on the AR parade. Click to view videocast.