What is Accelerated Reading?

                 What is Accelerated Reader (AR)?

The Accelerated Reader (AR) Program is a computerized reading enrichment program that combines great children’s literature with computer skills.  As an individualized reading program, it is designed to motivate students to read more. It is not a competitive program but one that enhances student’s reading ability and enriches reading experiences and comprehension.

How does AR work?

Students select a book in their reading range, read it at their own pace, and then take an independent comprehension test on the computer. Each book is worth a certain number of points based on its length and reading level. Students get a percentage of these points based on how many of the test questions they answer correctly. The program tracks their progress over the course of the school year.

How does a student get started?

At the beginning of the school year, students are given a vocabulary test called STAR, which can be used to identify a student’s reading level. It measures the level of difficulty of words that students can independently comprehend.  The teacher uses this information to determine a reading range for each student.

Does my child have to read within this reading range?

The reading range is called the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). The designers of the AR program have determined that the best reading practice should be done within the ZPD. If students read material that is too easy, then there will be no gain in reading skills. If they read material that is too difficult, they will become frustrated and achieve no improvement in reading skills. Therefore, we require that reading be within  students’ ZPD range.

How does my child select a book within his ZPD Range ?

Each AR book in our library has a color-coded label on its spine with the reading level written on it. The point value of the book is located on the inside of its back cover.  Each book has a point value based on readability and total number of words in the book. Our library has a list of our AR books that are sorted by title, author, and reading level.

Does my child have to read AR books only?

Our goal is to motivate students to read more and to enrich their reading experiences.  We recognize that libraries are filled with good literature and not every good book is an AR book. However, we strongly encourage students to read AR books. The computer keeps track of A.R. reading points, books, and average test scores, as well as other diagnostic data.  With this information, we can help students balance their reading selections with both AR and non-AR books.

How much time should my child spend reading?

It is recommended that students read independently, with a buddy, or have someone read to them. Below is a chart of recommended average minutes that should be spent on reading each day.

What constitutes a good AR score?

The goal is to score at 80% or above. Scoring lower may indicate that the material is too difficult, and the student should select a book at the lower end of his/her reading level. A student who scores at 95% or above should select a book at the upper end of his/her reading range. If students are already reading at the top of their reading range and consistently scoring above 95%, then their reading range should be adjusted.

When does my child take a test?

Ideally an AR test should be taken within 24 hours of the time the student finishes reading the book. The questions are designed to verify that the student has read the book so they are directed more to details of the story element.  We have a designated AR time in our class schedule that allows students to take AR tests in the classroom.