Reading Incentive Programs

What are Reading Incentive Programs?

Reading Incentives are programs designed to encourage children to read by providing external motivation. They can be done through schools, local libraries, and /or business

sponsorship.

There are several types of Reading Incentive Programs:

•School Based

•Regional or State Initiatives

•National Programs

•Computer Based Programs

Reading Incentive ProgramsWhat does the Research say?

The research is mixed about reading incentive programs.

Some experts believe that through incentive programs:

• Students are reading a larger number of books• Students are reading more complicated books to gain

more points• Students discover an enjoyment of reading and are

exposed to a variety of authors through the program• Students’ reading scores improve because of

increased exposure to reading materialThe Read Aloud Handbook – Trelease, 2002

Reading Incentive Programs

What does the Research say?Common concerns are:

• Educators will stop reading children’s literature because computer based assessment can check students’ understanding

• Class discussion of books decreases because a discussion would give away test answers

• Students narrow their book selection to only those included in the program to gain points

• Some students attempt books far beyond their level and end up frustrated.

The Read Aloud Handbook – Trelease, 2002

Reading Incentive Programs

Popular Programs:

• Accelerated Reader• Book Adventure• Book It• Great Books• Read Across America• Read to Succeed• Scholastic Reading Counts

Reading Incentive Programs

What does this this this topic have to do with our school?

Reading Incentive Programs

How can we develop an action plan for implementing this concept at our school?