By DEBBIE MCDONALD

Classrooms at John Rogers Elementary School in the Meadowbrook neighborhood have seen independent reading take off with Accelerated Reader, a computerized program that monitors independent reading. It motivates students to read quality books at their reading level that they can check out from the classroom, school or public library. After reading a book at their independent reading level, students take a quiz on the computer to be sure that they have understood it.

The program efficiently monitors reading progress and provides useful information to students, teachers and parents. Students enjoy taking the quizzes, they get immediate feedback on their comprehension and they are able to progress at their own rate and level. Teachers have information they have never had before to help monitor and guide independent reading. Parents have ongoing evidence of student growth.

The program was made possible by a generous donation of $4,500 from St. John's Masonic Lodge #9. The Lodge has supported reading programs at John Rogers for several years and has committed another $4,000 for continued support of the Accelerated Reader Program in 1999. This money will pay for more training, tests and both classroom and library books. A solid partnership has developed between the Masons and the school that is enhancing student learning every day.

In thank you notes to St. John's Masonic Lodge, students gave their feedback on the program.

Vinita Chand, a 5th grader, wrote: "I think it is fun to know my reading level. Something I really like about this wonderful program is when you read a book and take a test on it. It tells you if you understand the book or not. The first time I took a test, I was scared, but now it is really fun. The Accelerated Reader Program helps me read slowly and carefully."

Eric Yuen, a 4th grader, wrote: "Thanks for funding the Accelerated Reader Program. When I started I didn't like reading that much, but now I don't want to put down the book. I know this will affect my life."

Cindy Kim, a 5th grader, wrote: "I like the Accelerated Reader Program because the test results show if I do not understand the book. Also, the computer shows my average reading level, so I will read a book that is just right for my level. One more thing I like is that I can gradually read higher reading levels. This program helped me be a better reader."

Nathaniel Fong, a 5th grader, wrote: "Thank you for donating money to John Rogers School. It means a lot to me. Ever since I was 3-1/2, I could read but I have never had huge challenges. Now I have to really think of the details and not rush through the book, so I can do well on the tests. Well, thanks to you, now I am challenged. I feel proud of myself."

Research shows that the most important thing that elementary students can do to improve their reading skills is to practice reading independently every day at their reading level. That's what is happening at John Rogers.

Debbie McDonald is a reading teacher at John Rogers Elementary School.