Accelerated Reader Tips and Tidbits



Accelerated Reader Tips and Tidbits

What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computerized reading management program used to help teachers effectively monitor student’s independent reading. The program provides teachers with means of motivating every student, even the reluctant reader, to read. This increases students’ fluency and comprehension while developing students who truly love to read.

How Does the Program Work?

1) Student reads a book that is within his/her reading level.

2) Student takes a quiz. This computer quiz consists of 5-10 comprehension questions to measure how well he/she understood the book.

3) After each computer quiz, a TOPS report is printed that tells how the student scored on the quiz. The teacher and librarian monitors these scores.

How is the students’ reading level determined? What is a ZPD?

At the beginning of the school year, students are given a STAR reading test on the computer to determine their independent reading level (ZPD). Students are tested again mid-year and new goals are established.

The Zone of Proximal Development is the level of instruction that best suits your child. Practicing reading with books that are too hard results in frustration. Practicing reading with books that are too easy does little to improve skills and leads to boredom. A student’s ZPD represents a level that is neither too hard nor too easy, and is the level at which the most learning takes place.

Is there an AR test for every book? How can I find out if there is an AR quiz for a specific book?

Please check the AR Finder () for a list of quizzes available- there are many books available at all levels. You can use this site to search for AR quizzes by title, author, or book level.

Can students only take quizzes on books checked out from the school library?

No. Students may read and take quizzes on books from home, the classroom library, or from the public library. However, they need to check to make sure it is an AR book and that the book is within their individual ZPD. AR quizzes may only be taken at school.

Can I read AR books to my child?

Yes. In fact, parents are encouraged to read to and with their children. For beginning readers this is very important.

How do I know what my child’s AR goals are?

Every child has 3 goals:

1. Pass tests with at least 85% accuracy: Single quiz scores should not be below 80% and a student’s average quiz score should not be below 85%.

2. Earn points. Your child’s individual point goal is based on his/her book level (ZPD).

3. Book level. It is important that your child read on their level for independent practice (within their ZPD).

How does my child earn points?

Each picture book is worth 0.5 points and longer book’s point values are based on the difficulty of the book. Students earn points by taking and passing a quiz.

Where do students take AR quizzes?

Testing can only be done at school. It is mostly done on the classroom computers or in the library. Computers in the library are available for AR testing from 7:15 – 7:35 each morning.

How does AR fit into the daily schedule?

In most classrooms, there is a scheduled time for AR reading during the day. Students may also take quizzes at other teacher-approved times. According to research, children who read at least 20 minutes a day with an 85% comprehension on AR quizzes see great gains in reading. Therefore, your child should have at least 20 minutes set aside for reading during each day. This 20 minutes will look different at each grade level- reading centers, silent sustained reading, etc.

How can I help my child with AR?

As with anything, reading will improve with practice. Encourage your child to read at home. Parents should reinforce the importance of reading by listening to their child read and asking questions about the book. Reading with your child, no matter what the child’s age, is an important part of developing a good reader, building a lifelong love of reading.

Is AR graded?

Yes, for grades 2-6 and 1st grade after the first semester. A student’s average AR score is one piece looked at by teachers to determine a student’s reading comprehension.

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