Resentment of AR, and The Perils of Honesty

All of the students in my school complete mandatory outside reading as part of their English classes. They read books from a list provided by their teacher, and then take Accelerated Reader quizzes on a computer in the Writing Center to "verify" that they've read them. 

Personally (and professionally), I HATE this system. The students are limited to reading books that we have bought quizzes for, and the quizzes themselves ask very random questions that barely reflect the reading experience. Most of the kids think it's a joke, and therefore a large number of them blow it off. I find it infuriating, but the district paid a lot for it so I have to use it. 

I have, however, found my own ways to tweak it: first, rather than having my kids read eight books a year, I only have them read four (quality, not quantity). Then, instead of just taking practically pointless quizzes, I have them do literature circles, multi-genre projects, or other activities to (1) motivate them to actually READ the book and THINK about the book, and (2) give them a chance to actually show what they got out of it. Forget a perfunctory scan through a novel, I want them to sink their intellectual teeth into it. 

Additionally, I have become known around the school as the teacher who is willing (within reason) to read and make a quiz & an assignment for almost any book a kid wants to read but is not on The List. This allows them to read a wider variety of books, and allows me to keep up with what my kids are reading. It takes time, yes, but the rapport it fosters with my kids is well worth it. 

However, earlier this week I had to draw the line. And in doing so, I think I crossed a line by being a little too honest. Blame tiredness, blame the winter blahs. A senior of mine who I know pretty well (I also had her as a sophomore) asked if I would read the book Dear John so she could do it for her next Outside Reading assignment. I told her that I regretted I would be unable to do so. 

"Why not, Ms. Em?" she asked. 

"Honestly?" I said loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. "Maybe it's just where I am in life, but reading a Nicholas Sparks novel right now would probably make me vomit. Repeatedly. Sorry, just being honest." 

Oops.  Did I mention she's related to a Board member? There goes my reputation as a teacher who will do just about anything to encourage my kids to be literate citizens of the world. 

But really... I probably WOULD vomit. 

Comments

[C]

What's wrong with Dear John? I was going to get it for you for V-day....