Accelerated Reader Management

 

What is AR? Why is the AR Program important for my child? How is my child's reading level determined? When will my child's reading level change? How much does the AR Program count toward my child's reading grade? How often can my child go to the library? How often can my child take an AR quiz? How many times should my child read his book? What is the procedure for completing a Book Report? What can I do to support my child in the AR program?

Accelerated Reader (AR) is the world’s most popular reading management software.  Accelerated Reader focuses attention on careful reading of books, which improves students’ critical-thinking skills and builds an intrinsic love of reading.  Each student is provided with a zone of proximal development (ZPD), which challenges the students with appropriate reading structure without frustrating the child.  The goal is for students to grow as readers and improve basic comprehension skills through carefully selected literature.

Using AR, students are guided to appropriate books and curriculum within their zone of proximal development (ZPD). This means every student is challenged without becoming frustrated.  Each child takes a test that determines his or her specific reading level.  The reading level is challenging, but provides the student with specific growth opportunities through the use of critical thinking skills.  Students who participate in the AR program have the potential to increase their reading level by two grade levels within one year. 

The students’ reading level is determined through the STAR Reading program.  STAR Reading works in conjunction with Accelerated Reader.  Students take a STAR Reading quiz each nine weeks.  Questions continually adjust to the student’s responses. If the student’s response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If the student misses a question, the difficulty level is reduced.  When testing is complete, STAR Reading determines the students’ zone of proximal development (ZPD). 

At the end of each nine weeks, your child will retest on the STAR Reading program.  The STAR Reading program is a unique software program that allows your child to read and answer comprehension questions.  The program then determines your child’s ZPD (Zone of Proximity).  The Zone of Proximity is the reading level at which your child will be challenged and become successful.  At the beginning of each nine weeks, your child will receive a new reading level.  Several factors will be considered.  First, your child’s performance from the previous grading period will indicate the success achieved in the AR Program and will be weighed heavily in determining the new reading level.  Second, the zone of proximity determined from the STAR Reading program will determine growth during the grading period and guide your child toward a targeted reading level.

The AR Program is used strictly as a motivation tool. The AR Program will not be used in conjunction with the regular curriculum in regards to grading.  It is important that your child set a goal each nine weeks for how many books they wish to read and then work diligently to meet it.  

Your child has the opportunity to visit the library each school day unless the library is closed.  Students may visit the library during D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) time or as they finish class work.

Students may take AR quizzes each Tuesday and Thursday or as determined by the teacher.

Students should read their AR book twice to themselves and a third time to a parent, adult, or classmate.  When reading a chapter book, students are expected to read the book only once.  Students are encouraged to keep a small journal to record important events from each chapter.

During the second semester, students are required to complete five book reports each grading period. Book Report forms are downloadable and available in the classroom. There is a separate form for Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Chapter Books. Students may choose any book from their reading level to critique.  The Book Report forms are available in the classroom as well as on our website.  

Book Reports may be completed in class or at home.  The Book Reports should be the students work.  Please assist your child by guiding them through each question.  Book Reports are due each Monday.

There are lots of ways to help your child become a successful reader.  First, check each night to make sure that your child has brought their library books home.  Also, please read with your child each night.  You can also ask your child questions about the book.  For example, who are the characters, what was the problem, what was the solution, what is the setting, etc.  It is also important that your child learn how to summarize.  After your child has read their book to you, have your child to summarize in their own words the important parts from the book.