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Reading fluency is gained through reading frequency. Accelerated Reader is an online assessment tool that provides a record of students' independent reading. An Acclerated Reader book is assigned a point value and reading level based on the number of words it contains and its reading difficulty. At the beginning of each school year and again in January, each student's reading level is assessed using the STAR reading program. Students are assigned a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) reading range so that they can choose books that are just hard enough to challenge them but not so hard that they become frustrated. After reading, students take a computerized, multiple-choice comprehension test on the book's content. Tests may have 5, 10, or 20 items, depending on the length and difficulty of the book. The computer scores the test, awards points based on the results, and keeps a complete record. To learn more about Accelerated Reader click here.
To make it easier for students to locate AR books in the media center, they are color-coded according to reading level. Click here for a list of the colors and levels.
To encourage independent reading, the media center celebrates students' Accelerated Reading by awarding prizes and hosting special celebrations throughout the year. At the end of the 2nd 9 weeks qualifying students will be invited to attend a popcorn party. At the end of the school year, qualifying students will attend a pizza party. In addition, the top readers for the school will ride in a hot air balloon.
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