We all know that one person who is involved in everything, from music to sports to academic clubs to after-school jobs. In the midst of this hustle and bustle, it can be challenging to take the time to earn AR points.

Many studies have shown that high school teens are equally or more stressed than adults. That being said, why add more stress to already highly stressful lives? Earning AR points requires time that most high school students simply don’t have. To add to this, students who have met their point and book level goals have points added to their semester quota until the maximum of 50 points is reached. If the quota is not met, then the student’s English grade suffers. Students who focus on academics and sports should not be burdened with the stress of having to meet their AR goals.

Granted, reading boosts vocabulary and speed reading skills. Yet even though this is definitely a good thing, the cons of high AR goals outweigh the pros. Students should be required to meet an AR goal of 30 points maximum. This would leave more time for extracurricular activities and homework. It would reduce the levels of stress, even if just a little. I am not saying in any way that AR should not be required; I find reading to be necessary in addition to basic English skills. I simply believe that students who are actively involved in extracurricular and academic activities should not have to worry about AR points in addition to their regular homework.