Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Program Expanded At Prescott Schools

Fourteen years ago, a concerned parent who was searching for a way to make reading into a rewarding experience for her children invented a learning information system. This parent, Judi Paul, had no idea that her invention would eventually become the most popular educational software in America's schools.

This computer-based program from Advantage Learning Systems, Inc., called Accelerated Reader, (AR) recently became a part of the curriculum in both the Prescott High School reading laboratory and the ninth grade English classroom. The program was already in grades K-8, and plans include eventual expansion through the English classes to grade 12.

The AR program stresses reading for pleasure, with the understanding that many students are not habitual recreational readers. In a report released by the National Assessment of Educational Progress in February, studies reveal that students who practice their reading skills daily are also the ones who experience more success in their regular schoolwork and on achievement tests.

An important part of the AR program is the awarding of certificates for earning book points both as individuals and team members. In the fall 1998 reading lab, Brandy Varner received a certificate and award for 'Top Individual Point Earner' as well as being a 'Top Ten Team Member.'

Other students awarded certificates in the 1998 fall term as a Top Ten Team Member (students who have the highest individual AR point table) in the PHS reading lab were Sarah Hicks, Crystal Moss, Vivian Payne, Adam Hill, Horace Muldrow, Jessica Taylor, Kenneth Brown, Adam Wicker and Sean Meador

Students in English I earned AR certificates in four categories. Tiffany Overton was given an award and certificates for 'Top Individual Point Earner' and 'Top Ten Team Member,' and 'First Place Team Member' (based on total team points at computer stations).

Other Top Ten Team Members in English I during the spring term were Amanda Cummings, Brandon Tullis, Justin Hillery, Decolen Prater, Ashlea Loe, Kim Overton, Phillip Beasley, Heather Harris and Cynequa Haynie.

Along with Tiffany Overton, other members of the first place team were Kim Overton, Heather Harris, Jaynee Hurd, Tiffany Smith, Jonathan Gulley, Jenny Hurd, Courtney Zachery and James Hurd.

English I students on the second place team were Amanda Cummings, Brandon Tullis, Ashlea Loe, Latisha Franklin and Ryan Burdue.