The Use of Direct Media Center Support to Improve Student Participation in Accelerated Reader
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Authors
Nalls, Teresa S.
Issue Date
2003-05
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Media center support , Accelerated reader program , Reading management program
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of the evaluation research was to determine if direct media center
support, including teacher and student orientation and ongoing statistical reports for
teachers, had a positive effect on the behaviors of teachers in relation to the Accelerated
Reader program. A literature review in reading motivation provided evidence that reading
is a critical skill that plays an important role in both the academic and social success of
students. Increased reading practice through the use of a reading management program
has been found to positively affect reading improvement and increase reading test scores
on standardized tests. The evaluation results indicated that in the presence of direct media
support teachers understood AR in relation to student reading growth goals, increased
student participation, and provided the means to monitor student participation and
success. However, the number of students maintaining a test pass average of 80% or
higher decreased during the second year. Overall, teachers did seem to benefit from direct
media support in relation to the Accelerated Reader program.
The results of the study were communicated to the learning community during a
faculty meeting. Sharing the results with the learning community is a means of validating
the results of the action research, providing a catalyst for promoting change, offering an
opportunity for those involved to brainstorm implications that arise as a result of the
action research, and as a means for improvement in the learning community.