Independent Reading Program (IRP)

6th Grade Challenge Students

Skyview Upper Elementary

Dear Sixth Grade Parents/Guardians,

One of the most important things we can do is to encourage our students to read! Columbia University Teachers Reading and Writing Project has noted, “There is research evidence which suggests that volume of reading is linked to attaining higher-order literacy proficiencies (Allington, 2012; Brozo et al, 2008, Cipielewski & Stanovich, 1992). Anderson, Wilson, and Fielding (1988) researched the relationship between the amount of reading done and reading achievement. They found that the amount of time reading was the best predictor of reading achievement. More recently, in her article, Independent Reading and School Achievement, Cullinan (2000) reviewed the research on the effects of independent reading for the purpose of informing policy makers, curriculum developers, parents, teachers, and librarians about the importance of independent reading and programs that support it. The review concludes that independent reading, defined as the reading students choose to do, supports learning and school achievement. Providing students with protected reading time is necessary in order to support their growth in reading” (Teachers Reading Writing Project Website).

In an effort to boost our students’ reading skills, the reading department at Skyview would like to introduce the Independent Reading Program (IRP). IRP is a requirement for this school year. Each child will be given a differentiated reading goal for their IRP. To help determine each child’s goal, your child has taken the STAR reading assessment, which will assign your student a specific number of points to read during each marking period. The STAR test also determines the zone of proximal development (ZPD), which shows a range of book levels that would help to grow your student as a reader and meet his/her current reading level needs. Books in the Skyview library and my own classroom library are labeled with book level information. Students may choose books that are of interest to them. Over the years, participation in the IRP has shown to boost reading fluency, stamina, and comprehension. Each week, some time in school will be devoted to reading independently for the IRP.

Accelerated Reader is a web-based program that utilizes quizzes to assess general comprehension of the books read. The program generates information for students, teachers, and parents on student progress and allows teachers to monitor independent reading. After students complete a book, they will take an Accelerated Reader (AR) quiz. Students are expected to meet their individualized reading goal for each marking period with scores of at least 80% on each assessment to earn full credit (and 70-75% to earn half-credit). To determine the reading level and point value of a book, please visit the Skyview website for a link to AR Bookfind or go directly to www.arbookfind.com. I will be happy to help with high interest novel suggestions. When students read at least 20 minutes daily, they are typically successful with meeting the goals of IRP. As your child reads, ask questions about his/her reading - main ideas, characters, plot, and summarizing are good discussion points.

Please read the information on the reverse side of this document. When you are finished, please make sure to sign and return the last page to indicate that you and your child understand the expectations of IRP. Thank you for supporting your child’s education. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

I appreciate your support in encouraging your child to read.

Sincerely,

Mr. Shatzman