Is a student’s reading speed figured in the point requirements?
When a student takes the STAR reading diagnostic test, the student’s reading speed is factored into the reading level score. The STAR test times each question and assumes that the student did not comprehend the material correctly if he or she takes too much time to read and respond. Therefore, all students who read on their tested level are required to do the same amount of work. How much time should a student spend reading? Accelerated Reader recommends 60 minutes a day. Hermosa requires 20 minutes a day. However, we would recommend that students read more if they are a student who struggles in reading. The average student in the past devoted a mere 7 minutes a day to literature-based reading practice. Is it important that students read within their ZPD, or should they be challenged by reading above their reading level? Students must practice at the appropriate level. Practice that is too easy does little to improve skills, but practice that is too hard leads to frustration. Students
