FAQ

These are Mrs. Edwards' "TOP TEN"  - the 10  most frequently 
asked questions, that is!!,
  1. How does the AR program work?
  2. Do my books have to come from the Harkers Island Elementary School library?
  3. What if I want to read a book below or above my level?
  4. I've finished my book. What do I do next?
  5. I was unable to complete my homework last night. What does that mean?
  6. Do you accept late work?
  7. I was absent. What do I do?
  8. What is your grading scale?



How does the AR program work?

At the beginning of the school year, I will test all students to 
find their 
independent reading range (the low to high end at which students 
should be 
able to read and comprehend comfortably).  A reading goal (a set 
number of 
points to be reached) is assigned to the student based on the 
individual 
reading range. Students then select books within his or her 
independent 
reading range, read those books, and take computerized tests.  
Points are 
awarded when the student's score is higher than 60 (although the 
"ideal" 
score is 90 - 100). Students have the entire 9 weeks to achieve 
their goal 
(total number of assigned points) with an accuracy score of no 
lower than 80 
(Again, 90 is best).
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Do my books have to come from the Harkers Island Elementary School library?

While HIMES houses a wonderful selection of books, students may 
elect 
to check out popular titles from the public library or purchase 
books from a 
bookstore.  You may check the level at www.ARbookfind.com, but 
you should 
also check to see that the school has purchaed the test for that 
book.
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What if I want to read a book below or above my level?

Always talk with me BEFORE YOU BEGIN READING if you want to read 
a book 
outside your reading level.  Chances are I'll let you read it, 
but don't 
come to me AFTER the fact.
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I've finished my book. What do I do next?

You should have logged the book DAILY in your class reading log.  
After 
checking with me (with your completed log) you may test.  You MAY 
NOT test 
in any classroom other than mine.
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I was unable to complete my homework last night. What does that mean?

If you had a family emergency or were sick, bring in a note from 
your 
parent/guardian stating the reason why you don't have the 
homework.  If you 
forgot, you have one "grace" zero (I drop your lowest 
grade).  If you 
complete ALL your homework during the 9 weeks, I reward you by 
dropping your 
lowest CLASSWORK (which includes guizzes) grade.
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Do you accept late work?

Students who neglect completing homework will be expected to stay 
after 
school to complete the work. The grade for work completed after 
school 
begins at 80% with additional points deducted for errors. 
Projects and 
classwork assignments may be 
completed and turned in late with points deducted.  Check with me 
first.
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I was absent. What do I do?

Absences are necessary sometimes.  When you are absent, check 
with a 
reliable classmate about what you missed.  You should complete 
any and all 
make-up work promptly.  My rule is you have one day to make up 
work if you 
were absent one day, two days if you were absent two day, etc.  
Any reading 
that was done in your absence should be made up immediately, 
particulary if 
we are still working on that piece.
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What is your grading scale?

Homework/AR folders 20%
Classwork/Quizzes  30%
Tests    50%

The AR program awards points for a grade of 60.  This IS NOT 
considered 
passing by my standards.  70 - 100 is passing.  I grade on the 7 
point 
scale, ie  100 - 93 = A, 92 - 85 = B, 84 - 78 = C, 77 - 70 = D, 
70 and below 
is an F.
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