Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a progress monitoring software system used widely by primary and secondary schools for monitoring reading.
How does it work? Your child will take a 'Star Test' 3 times a year; this will give your child a 'Reading Range', for example 2.9-4.2. Your child then starts at the first level, chooses an appropriate book and reads it at school and at home. They then take a 'Reading Practice Quiz' (RP Quiz) on the computer, ideally as soon as possible. These quizzes measure comprehension and are motivational because they ensure a successful, positive experience if the student reads a book at an appropriate level. The lower level quizzes start at 5 questions and progress through 10 questions to 20 questions. It is expected that all children will score 85% in each test regardless of the book level they are working at. Your child receives immediate results from the quiz (% and number of questions answered correctly); they also have the option to review incorrect or missed questions.
Shorter books carry less 'points' than longer books. (So trying to read more 'shorter' books does not score any faster!) Your child's reading is monitored weekly.