Encouraging students to read independently is one thing; keeping records and grading their efforts is another.  Here’s a idea to help reduce the time spent doing the latter.  Assign the students to keep their own records and work towards a grade of their choice!  You can reduce student cheating by making independent reading a minor part of their grade, but a matter of importance among their peers.  Try this contract  adapted from one posted one of the social networks for educators.  Thanks to whoever created it.

INDEPENDENT READING CONTRACT