As I discussed last week, I am opposed to the way Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts are used in some schools.  When it has such specific requirements that it drives reading choices (and selection and collocation of materials in the library) it is just wrong.  Children should not be selecting books based on color codes and points!  They should read what interests them.  Librarians should not be selecting books based on whether a test is available, nor should they be reorganizing the whole library to reflect a testing program.

That said, I confess we have used Scholastic Reading Counts at our school since the program was called Electronic Bookshelf run by Jerry and Rosie out of their garage in Frankfort, Indiana in the early 1980s.  But we use it in a low key way. 

We feel we need to require reading by our 7th and 8th graders, because left to themselves they quit.  And we need proof that they really read.  Plus there are valid reasons to verify comprehension.  What we have elected to do, however, is require each student to read one book per nine weeks.  I have tests for over 400 titles of various genres and abilities.  All they have to do is pick one, actually read it, and pass the test.  We are making them read and prove it, but no points, no lists and no unreasonable goals.

We also use Reading Counts tests for the 4-8 students to prove they read the Caudill titles.  This is a voluntary program anyway, and we have put a positive spin on it.  Our kids think the testing is fun.  They are so proud when they pass!  And we never let passing the test be a stumbling block for a kid.  They get multiple chances to pass, and if they struggle we help them.  When and how they get help is determined on a case by case basis.

Our NEW model keeps it simple!

If you visit the Scholastic Reading Counts website you will see their boast that “Our NEW model keeps it simple.”  Well, their new model means it no longer suits my needs nor is it affordable.  Starting this year SRC is only available on a per student subscription basis and it now provides access to the complete collection of tests.  But I do not want the complete collection of tests.  I just want this year’s 20 Caudill titles and custom test disks which match specific new titles in my collection.  I do not want tests for books my school does not own! 

So I am no longer a customer… 

We own the currently installed software and can author tests.  I have spent a great deal of time this summer doing just that, but I have about eight tests left to write and I am NOT a happy camper.  I intend to spend this coming school year considering new options.  I welcome suggestions! 

Methods for teaching reading comprehension have come and gone.  School libraries, I believe, must respond with appropriate support.  However the comprehension testing program known as Accelerated Reader (commonly called simply ‘AR’) has impacted some libraries like a nuclear bomb. 

I object to the methods which many schools use when implementing AR.  Requiring reading and tracking progress are worthy goals, but when points, colors and reading levels drive reading selection I believe it poisons student’s reading success and negatively impacts their desire to read.  Poor readers will attempt to get all their points at once, tackling a book that is too difficult.  Their resulting lack of success does nothing for their motivation to read.  Excellent readers become stifled when their reading is limited to specific lists.  One of our friend’s daughters who attended a school over-immersed in AR would listen with interest as I recommended new novels for her.  But then she would sigh, “I can’t read that.  It isn’t in the blue section.  I’m supposed to read all blue books this year.”  (Or something to that effect…)

But what I object to VERY strongly are the school libraries that totally reorganize the collection to reflect AR!  Many collections have been collocated to reflect only the test program, with points and colors and reading levels.  Marking books with levels for the convenience of the students is helpful if your school is immersed in AR.  But I think those marks should be inside the cover to avoid reading stigmas for students.  “Hey, look at what he is reading… it’s a low level book!”  MARC records can reflect AR levels (and Lexile levels), and categories can be created in the electronic catalog to serve needs.  But collections should NEVER, NEVER be reorganized to match AR!

Accelerated Reader is not the only program.  Scholastic has a program called Reading Counts, and I assume there could be others.  And it is not the testing, nor the programs that I necessarily object to – it is the over-application of those programs.  That said, I will confess that 15 (or more) years ago I bought a product called Electronic Bookshelf which evolved into Scholastic Reading Counts.  Next week I’ll explain how and why we use it and why we will be using it less in the near future.

Side note:  Go to the AR website.  The header alone gives me chills… “Advanced Technology for Data-Driven Schools.”  Please spare me from ever working in a data-driven school!  Our district focuses on EDUCATING our students.  We deal with the data required by the state and federal governments when we must, but thus far our district has struggled to focus on student learning and not testing.” 

Data-driven… it makes me want to scream like the father in my favorite scene in the movie “Breaking Away”.  “Refund?  Refund?”  “Data-driven?  Data driven?” 

Wear comfortable shoes.  I was wrong about how people would be dressed similarly.  There was so much variety it wasn’t even funny!  But I’m right about the shoes.

What impressed me at ALA:

• Publishers gave away advanced copies of books!  I’ve never seen so many give-aways!
• Sherman Alexie was on the reading stage.  Best quote:  He urges his friends to hang out in bars near ALA when it comes to their cities.  “An entire conference of near-sighted women!  You guys actually have a chance!” he tells his friends.
• An electronic card that vendors can swipe which already has your name and address embedded so they can easily send you information.  (Do NOT pick up catalogs there… why carry them?  Save room for the advance copies of books!)
• Still take business cards and labels – not everyone uses the swipe card.
• You could spend two whole days at the vendors!
• I paid $14 for a sandwich and a pop.  Next time I’ll pack a lunch.
• The Library of Congress had a booth.  The LIBRARY OF CONGRESS!!!!  They told me that next year when ALA is in DC that they MAY have the reading room open for us.  My daughter was so bummed when we couldn’t go in there when we visited Washington, D.C.  So was I!
• There are grants for newbies to go to ALA.  Wonder if I could get one of those for next year?….

Maybe I can go to Washington, D.C.  If I do I will use the suggestions ALA offers on their webpage.  But I know for sure that next time ALA is near Illinois, I’ll be sure to use their suggestions. 

But you can trust me on the shoes…

Today will find me at the ALA Annual Conference!  Since it is being held in nearby Chicago (it moves around geographically) my colleagues and I are going up for the day to view the exhibits. 

Actually, while I have been to state conferences, this will be my first “national” conference.  And, of course, we are only doing exhibits (because they’re free with a readily available pass from a vendor!).   Perhaps someday I can do a full migration!

Migration?  You need to know that my absolute favorite You Tube video is “March of the Librarians”.  A parody of the nature film “March of the Penguins”, it examines the annual “migration” of librarians to ALA.  Truth is funny… and this short film nails the conference experience.  As I watched I kept thinking I knew people in the video.  Do we all look alike?

And the beauty of deciding what to wear for this event is that I know I’ll fit in!  We all tend to dress alike … well, maybe not the young ones… but I’m betting middle-age and up will be wearing a tank top covered with a short sleeved shirt opened like a jacket, capris, and sandals or tennis shoes designed for comfort and not necessarily looks.  I’m sure I’ll see folks I know since this is close to home.  And I’ll see plenty of librarians I “think” I know.  I’ll let you know…

A friend who lives in Australia just picked up Twilight for the first time and discussion has again ensued (via Facebook).  When in my post I called the four novels “the worst written books I couldn’t put down” one of my Australian friend’s responded:  “A well conceived story intricately plotted…”

I LIKE that. “A well conceived story intricately plotted…”  It hits the nail on the head of what IS good about Twilight.  The story is unique and the plot keeps you in suspense.  Romantic fantasy at its best  worst best worst best worst… oh, what does it matter!?  We’re still talking about them.

I stand by my first review of the Twilight saga:  not for most middle schoolers.  High school and up, please.

Since we moved on May 2, 2009 I am spending my early summer sorting and putting things away.  Putting away my books was pure joy.  But as I examine my personal collection of books and analyze what has survived the weedings and purgings through the years, I am struck by the fact that it appears I have kept the books that inspired me. 

A short list:

• Christy - Catherine Marshall
• Karen- Marie Killilea
• The Story of the Trapp Family Singers- Maria Augusta Trapp
• The Family Nobody Wanted – Helen Doss
• Follow the River – James Alexander Thom (haven’t had this one as long, but somehow ended up with three copies so it must be important!)
• The Hiding Place – Corrie Ten Boom
• Mrs. Mike – Benedict and Nancy Freedman
• The Story of My Life – Helen Keller
• Letters to Karen- Charlie W. Shedd
• Little House series – Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Anne of Green Gables series – L.M. Montgomery
• Little Women (and sequels) – Louisa May Alcott
• Light a Single Candle – Beverly Butler
• A Lantern in her Hand- Bess Streeter Aldrich
• On the Night of the Seventh Moon – Victoria Holt
• Heidi- Johanna Spyri
• Joy in the Morning – Betty Smith

Did these books shape me?  Or did I gravitate to these books because of who I am?

As I think through the common thread of the titles above I see women who were survivors – women who did the right thing in spite of tough circumstances – women with positive, make-the-best-of-it attitudes.  I think I have kept these books because they shaped me.  (I admit, the Victoria Holt title is stupidly romantic, but I adore that book.  I reread it recently and still adore it.)

I’ve owned most of these titles since I was in junior high (or before).  As a librarian for young adults I ask myself what titles are my students going to own and have on their book shelves in 30-35 years?  What is being published today that inspires them, molds them, makes them who they are?  I am a librarian – I have to believe that they are changed by what they read!  Not by everything they read – we all read stuff and move on – but some things will make a difference!

I’ve noticed that a majority of the books in MY list are biography or fictionalized biography.  (OK – not the Holt book.)  I can’t think of anything like them that has been published recently for my students.  So what are they finding in literature to impact their lives?  Will their reading shape their lives?

In my opinion the best of what is out there now tends to be fantasy.  Harry Potter is somewhat inspiring.  Patricia Wrede’s “Dealing with Dragons” has an inspiring heroine.  Wolf Brother, Ranger’s Apprentice…. the positive role models that come to mind are all in fantasy titles.  I can’t help but wonder if that is a reflection of our society?  Do we have REAL role models anymore or must we invent them? 

I’m over-thinking, I’m sure…  but if you read this and can suggest truly inspiring YA titles which you think will survive purgings and weedings on a current student’s personal bookshelves 35 years from now I would love for you to submit the title(s) in the comments section of this post.  Or share titles YOU have kept that impacted you and why.

And now… I’m going outside to take the dog for a long walk so I can lighten up…