Accelerated Reader is a computer software program that monitors student reading of literature. The goal,like that of all reading instruction is to develop life-long learners who love to read. Reading is crucial to everything we do as active members of society. But reading is a skill, and like every skill, it requires practice.

In this program students read books of their choice and take short quizzes on the computers at school. These quizzes can be taken at library time or in the regular classroom. Both the student and teacher then receive feedback on the students' performance. These quizzes do not count towards report card grades. A method for acknowleding student acheievement is used for goal setting and as a motivational tool. Students are certified at various levels when they meet specific requirements based on difficulty of books read and points accumlulated.

Every book for which there is an (AR)quiz has a point value based on its readability and length. This level is found on a label attached to the books binder. The first number indicates the grade level, and the number preceding the decimal is the month. For example, 3.9 means third grade,9 months. Longer books and books written at higher levels are worth more points than short, easy books. After a student takes a quiz, he receives points base on the book's point value and how well he did on the quiz. Our school goal for the minimum score a student averages on all (AR) quizzes taken is 85%. The minimum number of questions a student answers correctly on each indiviual test is 80 percent. If your child is unable to pass the quizes, it means they are choosing a book which is above their reading level. We are encouraging the childern to begin with books that are on a grade level below their class level to see how well they do. For instance, if you are in 5th grade begin by reading books on a 4.0 level. If the books are found to be to easy, they can always move up to a higher level. If on the other hand they continually fail the quizzes, they can not go back and retake any (AR) quizzes.

There are three types of reading practices utilized in the AR Program. The child can be read to, read with, or they can read independently. The children are given time during SSR (Silent Reading Time) to read at school. These books are perfect to use for the home reading log that is required every week. I strongly encourage every child to select an (AR) book each week at library time.

I hope this information has helped you understand our (AR) Program here at school. If you have any questions or comments feel free to e-mail me and I will do my best to answer. Thank you for viewing this page. Come again soon!