Flossmoor School District 161
Required Reading
Program Overview
Flossmoor District 161 is committed to providing an outstanding educational program for all students. Both administrators and faculty understand that parents play an instrumental role in the educational success of their children.
The District strongly supports reading as a foundation for academic success. Research indicates the more students read, the better readers they become. In an effort to help all students become better readers, the District has implemented a Required Reading Program. This program is to be completed independently outside of the school day.
The continuing partnership with parents assures the success of the academic program in District 161. Your support is appreciated. Should you have any questions regarding the Required Reading Program, please talk with your child’s teacher or principal.
Grades K-1
Students in grades K-1 will have a suggested reading list. This list is intended to support parents as they work with their child at home. These books can either be read by the student or read to them. There is no required number of books that need to be read. There is no assessment for the reading.
Grades 2-5
Students in grades 2-5 will read three books throughout the school year from the suggested reading list. After reading each book, students will take an assessment at school using the Accelerated Reading Program. Students must achieve a minimum of 70% mastery on the computerized assessment for a book to count towards the requirement.
Students in grades 2-5 will have a section on their report card that monitors this requirement.
Grades 6-8
Students in grades 6-8 will read four books, one book per quarter. Students will select and read two books from the Required Reading list, and be assessed on the two books using the Reading Counts computerized comprehension assessment. Students will select and read two more books that can be from either the Required Reading list or one of the books on the Reading Counts program at Parker Junior High School (approximately 2,200 books). The assessment component for these two books will be written book reports. Students must achieve a minimum of 70% mastery on the computerized assessment and book report for a book to count towards the four book requirement. The score is averaged into the student's quarterly language arts grade.
General Information
Most books are available in the student's school library. In addition, the public libraries have many of the titles available for check out. Area stores also stock the books, if parents choose to purchase them. Please note the books on the reading list have Lexile scores. These scores can be used to assist parents and students in selecting books for the Required Reading Program. The Lexile score is not tied to a grade level, but rather it is a readability level. Parents of students in grades 2 to 8 will find the Lexile score on the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Individual Student Report. Students new to the District and those entering second grade will receive Lexile scores in the fall that can be used to make reading selections. You may access Lexile information at the following web site: www.lexile.com
Program Overview
Flossmoor District 161 is committed to providing an outstanding educational program for all students. Both administrators and faculty understand that parents play an instrumental role in the educational success of their children.
The District strongly supports reading as a foundation for academic success. Research indicates the more students read, the better readers they become. In an effort to help all students become better readers, the District has implemented a Required Reading Program. This program is to be completed independently outside of the school day.
The continuing partnership with parents assures the success of the academic program in District 161. Your support is appreciated. Should you have any questions regarding the Required Reading Program, please talk with your child’s teacher or principal.
Grades K-1
Students in grades K-1 will have a suggested reading list. This list is intended to support parents as they work with their child at home. These books can either be read by the student or read to them. There is no required number of books that need to be read. There is no assessment for the reading.
Grades 2-5
Students in grades 2-5 will read three books throughout the school year from the suggested reading list. After reading each book, students will take an assessment at school using the Accelerated Reading Program. Students must achieve a minimum of 70% mastery on the computerized assessment for a book to count towards the requirement.
Students in grades 2-5 will have a section on their report card that monitors this requirement.
Grades 6-8
Students in grades 6-8 will read four books, one book per quarter. Students will select and read two books from the Required Reading list, and be assessed on the two books using the Reading Counts computerized comprehension assessment. Students will select and read two more books that can be from either the Required Reading list or one of the books on the Reading Counts program at Parker Junior High School (approximately 2,200 books). The assessment component for these two books will be written book reports. Students must achieve a minimum of 70% mastery on the computerized assessment and book report for a book to count towards the four book requirement. The score is averaged into the student's quarterly language arts grade.
General Information
Most books are available in the student's school library. In addition, the public libraries have many of the titles available for check out. Area stores also stock the books, if parents choose to purchase them. Please note the books on the reading list have Lexile scores. These scores can be used to assist parents and students in selecting books for the Required Reading Program. The Lexile score is not tied to a grade level, but rather it is a readability level. Parents of students in grades 2 to 8 will find the Lexile score on the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Individual Student Report. Students new to the District and those entering second grade will receive Lexile scores in the fall that can be used to make reading selections. You may access Lexile information at the following web site: www.lexile.com