<p>Dear Parents/Guardians:</p><p>The reading department at Skyview would like to introduce the independent reading program (IRP) that your child will be required to complete for the remainder of the school year. Students are challenged to read 1000 or more pages, within their mid to higher ZPD level, during every marking period. (Your child has been given his/her score from the STAR test which determines the zone of proximal development, or ZPD.) To accomplish this requirement, students should read at least 20-30 minutes (approx. 15-25 pages) for daily homework. Research shows that free reading improves reading skills, vocabulary development, and comprehension. </p><p>Each time your child completes a book he/she must take an Accelerated Reader (AR) test in school. Students must earn at least a 70% on the AR quiz for the book to count towards IRP. A running tally of the number of pages read by the student will be kept in class on their IRP log. Please remind your son/daughter to carry a free reader with him/her at all times and to make good use of their spare moments by reading. If your child is a reluctant reader, perhaps the two of you could take turns reading to each other. Audio-books are another alternative, which are available at the Skyview Library and the Lower Providence Community Library. </p><p>If your child chooses to read a book designated as a “middle grade plus” (MG+) or “upper grade” (UG), he/she must get permission to read the book by the parent/guardian and the teacher. Graphic novels, such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, are not accepted. Books that have received literary honors/awards would earn your student double pages. Many books are listed by their levels and awards on www.arbookfind.com. Books your child has read in the past will not count for IRP. Therefore, before reading an IRP book, your child should review his/her test history by clicking on the “Bookshelf” tab in Renaissance Place. Your child’s teacher has reviewed this procedure during class.</p><p>Please be aware as part of the criteria for honors reading in seventh grade, the number of pages read and the scores on the AR tests will be considered. If interested in more information, check the Arcola website and click on the “Course Description Booklet.” </p><p>Please read the specific guidelines on the attached page. Sign, cut, and return the “IRP Signature Slip” to indicate that you and your child understand the expectations of IRP. The information included in this letter can also be found on your reading teacher’s website so that you may refer to it at any time.</p><p>Thank you, The 6th Grade Reading Teachers</p><p>PLEASE CUT AND RETURN BOTTOM BEFORE November _____, 2015 IRP SIGNATURE SLIP</p><p>We have read the requirements outlined on the front and back of this letter.</p><p>GUARDIAN PRINT______</p><p>GUARDIAN SIGNATURE______</p><p>STUDENT (print)______</p><p>______Section/number </p><p>DATE______/______/______</p>