1 Scholastic Literacy Pro Scholastic Literacy Pro is an online reading program that we use in our school as a home reading program for children in years 4 – 6 who are independent readers. This program is coordinated by both the Library teacher and your child’s class teacher. In mid 2014 Lexile was developed by Scholastic Literacy Pro. Scholastic Literacy Pro is powered by the Lexile Framework for Reading. When you hear the term ‘Literacy Pro’ you will understand that we are referring to our independent reading program that used to be called Lexile. Literacy Pro measures each student’s reading ability using a fast, adaptive online test. Children initially complete an online test at school which is assessed by the computer-based Lexile analyzer. This gives students a reading level from BR (Beginning Reader) to 1500. This is often referred to as a Lexile reading level or score. It enables teachers to monitor student progress throughout the year. Literacy Pro provides valuable evidence based data which teachers can use to make informed decisions when developing teaching and learning programs. Students are able to choose from a range of books which match their Lexile level (see diagram below). Students should be challenged but not frustrated during the reading process. After each book is read, students complete a quiz which consists of 10 questions about the book they have just read. Students need to score at least 7/10 questions correct in order to pass the book and earn designated points for that book. A quiz can be completed at home or school. Our main aim is for the children to read for enjoyment and develop a love for reading. Children who are introduced to the program for the first time need to become familiar with the program and the process that is involved. This can take time. The process is of great benefit to students as they approach their middle school years. The program enables students to develop many skills; reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, problem solving, time management, goal setting and selfevaluation skills. Students are progressively taught how to work through the process in library and in classroom lessons. They are also taught how to problem solve specific issues that may arise. Students are expected to develop independence over time. How to log on to Scholastic Learning Zone (Literacy Pro) Website: https://slz04.scholasticlearningzone.com/auth/intl/Login/AUS9DYP Please note that if you access the site using Google, you will need to enter a school code. Please follow the steps below. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Google search - Scholastic learning zone Select country - Australia Enter School org 9DYP Log in using students individual user name and password. Click on Literacy Pro in My Zone It is a good idea to create a bookmark on your home computer once you have logged in for the 1st time. Steps in the process 1. Complete a Lexile test to obtain an initial Lexile score. 2. Calculate a Lexile reading range from the test score by taking 200 from test score and adding 50. E.g. if test score is 500, reading range is from 300 -550. -200 2 Test score = 500 Range = 300 +50 550 NB Within this range, students should be able to confidently read books and they should be able to successfully pass quizzes (at least 7/10) 3 4 5 6 7 8. Choose a book within the calculated Lexile range. Read the book from start to finish. Read for detail. Complete a quiz about the book. Complete diary and rating. Return book to library and choose another book within your range. Repeat Steps 3 – 8 as students read books and pass quizzes. NB: If students do not pass book quizzes by completing at least 7 questions correctly, they are encouraged to re-read the book and then repeat the quiz in 2 days. Other Important information Tests Completed every 50 days Must be completed independently at school only. Test results must reflect the child’s independent reading ability. Quizzes Quizzes are ongoing after every book is read. Can be completed at home or at school. Parents can encourage and help students to answer questions and develop comprehension strategies. Students are given time in library and class lessons to read. At least 15-20 minutes of Lexile reading per night at home is recommended. We appreciate the support of parents with the home reading program. Parents can view their child’s progress by clicking on the My Results tab on the students Literacy Pro home page. Students sometimes struggle with the process until and they develop confidence and familiarity with the program. It is important that they ask for help as soon as possible. If problems arise please contact the library teacher or your child’s class teacher. If you would like to know more about this program, you can access information via the Scholastic website www.scholastic.com.au/literacypro If you would like to know how it will work in your child’s classroom, please speak to your child’s class teacher. Library Teacher: Mrs Cheryl Thomas Email: mailto:thomas.cheryl@sots.wa.edu.au Phone 9553 9520 The library teacher is available Monday -Thursday before or after school except for Wednesday afternoon. Please feel free to drop in to discuss any issues that you may have with Literacy Pro.