Reading Counts

Special striped spine labels on Bowling Green library books identify them as Reading Counts books. The color of the stripes indicates the grade level of the book:

Red stripes = grade one
Blue stripes = grade two
Green stripes = grade three
Orange stripes = grade four
Purple stripes = grade five
Light blue stripes = grade six

While it can be helpful to know the grade level of the book, students may check out a book at any level and are strongly encouraged to check out and read all of the books in our library, since many do not have a corresponding quiz.  It should also be kept in mind that the grade level of a book can vary tremendously depending on the method used. 

Students are encouraged to read the book carefully once and then skim it over once again before taking the quiz.  Generally, 4th-6th graders must answer 8 out of 10 questions correctly to pass.  Students in grades 1-3 must answer 7 out of 10 questions correctly.  Quizzes may be taken on any of a couple of hundred computers at the school, whether in the library or in the classrooms.

Students may take the SRI test, which determines their reading level in terms of lexile.  Their lexile score only generally relates to their grade level.  Books at their lexile level may be at a grade level far above or below their actual grade, although it is usually possible to find titles that are in both their lexile range as well as their grade level range.  The lexile level of the book is noted on the Reading Counts label on the book spine.  Following is a rough guide relating lexile level to grade level:

Grade 1 = Lexile level 100-400
Grade 2 = Lexile level 300-600
Grade 3 = Lexile level 500-800
Grade 4 = Lexile level 600-900
Grade 5 = Lexile level 700-1000
Grade 6 = Lexile level 800-1050

While the library supports the Reading Counts program at Bowling Green, it is individual classroom policies that drive it.  Bowling Green students are strongly encouraged to check out and read any book in the library.