Accelerated Reader

AR

Accelerated Reader (AR) is an Incentive Program intended to build each scholars reading comprehension. A summary from Renaissance Learning, the creators of AR, describes it this way:

AR is a computer program that helps teachers and librarians manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at his own level and reads it at his own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer. (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) AR gives children, teachers, and librarians feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice. Children using AR choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them. Teachers and librarians help your child choose books at an appropriate readability level that are challenging without being frustrating, ensuring that your child can pass the quiz and experience success. If your child does not do well on the quiz, the teacher or librarian may help your child:

 • Choose another book that is more appropriate.
 • Ask more probing questions as your child reads and before your child takes a quiz.
 • Pair your child with another student, or even have the book read to your child. 

In most cases, children really enjoy taking the quizzes. Since they’re reading books at their reading and interest levels, they are likely to be successful. This is satisfying for most children. Best of all, they learn and grow at their own pace.

The program works in two parts:
 
1. Scholars will take a STAR assessment at the start of each marking period. This computer based test will determine the ideal reading range (ZPD) for this reader. The teacher and librarian work together to create a reasonable but challenging individual goal for each scholar. 

2. Scholars will choose books within their ZPD, read them and take a computer based comprehension quiz. These quizzes will be between 5 and 20 questions, depending on the length of the book. Passing these quizzes moves the scholar toward achieving his/her goal. 

FAQ about AR
Can my child take AR quizzes at home?
No, the quizzes are intended to be taken during school time. 

May the book be open during the quiz?
No, the quizzes are basic comprehension.

May a student read outside of his/her reading range?

Most certainly! Students should read what they are interested in.

May a student quiz outside of his/her reading range?

A student may quiz on a book that is above his/her range if they have permission from the teacher or librarian. A student should not quiz on a book lower than their reading range.