Programs such as Accelerated Reader (AR) or Reading Counts (RC) have become a staple in many elementary schools across the country. This computer-based program is designed to monitor students’ reading practice and comprehension, offering schools a convenient way to track reading goals. However, despite its popularity, What Works Clearinghouse reports that AR has “mixed effects on comprehension and no discernible effects on reading fluency for beginning readers.” Yet, it remains deeply embedded in classrooms, often with unintended consequences for students who struggle to read.
As educators and parents, we all want our students to excel in reading. We set ambitious goals to encourage them to read more, thinking this will help them grow as readers. However, these goals can sometimes penalize the very students who need the most support.
The Unintended Consequences of AR for Struggling Readers
While the desire to build strong readers is well-intentioned, the path to fluency starts with careful, supportive instruction. Struggling readers often face unrealistic point goals in AR, creating a cycle of frustration and defeat. Instead of fostering a love of reading, AR can sometimes lead to unhealthy reading habits, where advanced readers rush through short books just to accumulate points. Meanwhile, struggling readers, weighed down by unattainable goals, feel left behind.
One student shared her feelings with her mother, saying, “Why should I even try? It always feels like I’ll never get there. When I finally reach my goal, they just reset it, and I’m punished by the struggle all over again. My teacher doesn’t understand how hard reading is for me.”
This sense of defeat can damage a student’s motivation and self-esteem, especially for children with learning differences like dyslexia. We must rethink our approach to reading practice to ensure that it supports, rather than discourages, struggling readers.
Balancing Accountability and Encouragement
It’s important to maintain accountability in reading practice while also ensuring that we’re not leaving any students behind. If your school is still hosting all-school reading parties or celebrating only a few top-performing readers in each classroom, it’s worth asking whether the struggling students might have characteristics of dyslexia or other learning challenges. Are there ways to adapt your strategies to reach them?
For example, integrating audiobooks or paired reading into your classroom activities can provide struggling readers with an opportunity to participate without feeling penalized. Additionally, tracking progress in a way that celebrates all readers—regardless of how many books they complete—can make a world of difference.
I’ve witnessed a student with dyslexia work tirelessly for every word-per-minute gain, and the day they completed their first early-reader chapter book was a true celebration. Setting personalized goals in collaboration with parents and students can create a more encouraging and effective approach to reading practice.
A Path Forward
As educators and parents, our goal should be to nurture a love of reading for all students, particularly those who struggle. By embracing more flexible, supportive strategies, we can foster a positive reading environment where every child feels capable and motivated to grow. If programs like AR or Reading Counts are a requirement in your school or district, consider these alternative learning options:
Allow for oral tests to be completed. For example, the teacher reads the chosen test to the student and allows for an open-ended response rather than a multiple choice response.
Permit audiobooks to count towards their reading goals.
Remove the graded aspect of these systems - do not count this as part of their overall reading grade, but rather simply as an incentive.
Rethink the points-based system. Find a different goal to reach rather than number of books or points -- perhaps time spent reading or creating an oral or pictorial summary.
Create a classroom-wide, grade-wide, or even a school-wide goal and allow everyone to attend the party upon completion.
For more ideas on supporting struggling readers, check out our previous post in this series on literacy strategies.
This post is part of our 31 Days of Dyslexia series, offering practical insights for educators and parents. Subscribe and follow along to learn more strategies that can make a difference in the lives of dyslexic learners!
Comentários