Mrs. Etheridge answers FAQ for students and parents:

How many points are required each nine weeks?
I require 25 points each nine weeks.

Do points carry over to the next nine weeks?
Each teacher does this differently at Mountain Gap Middle. I do carry over the points. For example, if you earn 30 points the first nine weeks, 5 carry over to be used the next nine weeks.

What happens to leftover points at the end of the year?
Extra points at the end of the year will be used for extra credit on the last nine weeks grades.

How do I know which books Mountain Gap Middle has for AR tests?
You can look at the list of books online by going to the library website. This list is updated from time to time.

Does Mrs. Etheridge require students to read a certain reading level?
No, not really. This is an individual matter, different for each student. Students should push themselves to read increasingly challenging books in order to improve reading ability. Be aware that the reading level on books does not equal a grade level. Some books with lower reading levels (4) may be easy to read, but they may still provide worthwhile stories or content that is more sophisticated. It is not going to hurt a good reader to read an easy book now and then. It is also important to read different kinds of books by various authors. Nonfiction books (factual books) are generally more difficult than fiction books even though the grade level may be the same.

Do students have to score 100% on each test?
No. As a matter of fact, if a student always scores 100%, then it may be that the books he or she chooses may be too simple. In most cases, the program awards the student some points for passing the test even if the score is a 60.

How can I possibly finish my book before the cutoff date?
The key is planning ahead and reading consistently. One way to finish a book in a reasonable time frame is to set daily goals. For example, if you want to read a 175 page book in a week, divide 175 by 7. That would give you about 24 pages to read each day. Some parents require that a student read a book a week, and they expect their child to bring home a printout showing the passed test.

When are the points due each nine weeks?
Points usually are due two days prior to the end of the grading period. This date is controlled by Mrs. Potter in the library. She posts the schedule for the entire school. I have these dates posted on my website and in the room, and I verbally remind students of these dates on a regular basis.

As a parent, how can I keep track of the points my child earns?
When a student shows me a passed test, I update the points earned in my grade book. You can see these points online. After I have recorded the points earned, I send home the sheet showing the passed test and the total yearly points. I do my best to stay current with the points earned, but I can only do that when the student turns in his or her AR report. At progress report time, I use a computer generated report to enter the current AR points as a grade, even though that grade will not be final until the AR cutoff date. Then I update the percentage as students add more points. When final grades are due, I again use a computer generated report to figure the AR percent.

How do AR points affect my grade in English class?
I count AR for a 100 point grade. If a student earns all 25, that is 100%. If a student earns 20, that is 80%. AR usually accounts for approximately 15% of the overall grade, but that varies slightly each nine weeks.

When can I take AR tests?
You can take AR tests in my room any day on my computer. You can do this when we do bell work (but you still need to do the bell work), or you can take a test whenever you have time to work independently. You can take tests in the library before school, when your class visits the library, or when you have a pass to go to the library. I prefer that you take the tests in my room, especially at the end of the nine weeks. There is no reason to take more than one test on that last day if you plan ahead!

(At the beginning of the year, you will need to wait until all of the names and passwords have been updated, so you will probably not be able to take a test until the second week of school.)

When can I go to the library?
Our library has flex scheduling. That means you can go to the library any time you have a pass from a teacher. I will provide class visits to the library on a regular basis, and you can go from my class most days during independent work time.

Where can I learn more about Accelerated Reading?
You can read about AR on the Internet at the Renaissance Learning web page.
Mrs. Potter would be happy to talk to you also.

What if I am having trouble passing AR tests?
First, you really do have to read the book to pass the test. It is best to take the test as soon as possible after you have finished the book. If you wait too long, you will most likely forget some of the details. Try not to take too long to read the book. If you spread it out over a very long time, it is hard to remember what is going on in the book. Don’t pick books based on points, trying to get a high number of points all at once. Pick books that interest you. Pick books at a level where you are successful. You might talk to me or Mrs. Potter about books on tape. You also might like to have Mrs. Rutland sit with you when you take the test. She is happy to help in any way she can.

How can I find a good book?
One of the best ways to find good books is to get a reference from a friend who shares your interests. Another way is to look for books by an author you have already read.

What if I want to read a book that is not on the AR list?
First of all, remember that we have over 4000 books on the AR list at Mountain Gap Middle School. Second, if you tell Mrs. Potter what book you would like to have on AR, she might add it to her wish list. She continues to add to our AR tests every year. Finally, you should talk to me about the book, and we can try to come up with an alternate assessment. Not every book you read has to be an AR book. I have many students who choose to read AR books and meet the point requirement, and then they read other books on top of that.

What if I forget my password?
I have a list of AR passwords. If you have picked a word that means something to you, you probably won’t forget it.

Can I take the same tests that I took last year or at elementary school?
No. The test record stays in the computer. Besides, the object is to keep reading so that you become a better reader.

Can I take a test on a movie I saw?
It’s not a good idea. The best plan is to read the book, take the test, and then see the movie. Movies are often quite different from the books.