Parent Resources

WHAT IS ACCELERATED READER?

Accelerated Reader 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 (levels are determined by your child's most recent Fastbridge test scores) and reads it at his or her 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.) Accelerated Reader 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 Accelerated Reader 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.

FAQs:

How can I help my child become a better reader?

As with anything, performance improves with practice. Encourage your child to read at home. Create a culture of reading in your household by reading with your child, starting a home library, visiting your local library or bookstore on a regular basis, letting your child see you reading and discussing books that each of you has read.

How does the school determine my child’s reading level?

Teachers and librarians determine your child’s reading level in one of two ways: a grade-equivalent score from a standardized test, or using their best professional judgment based on their knowledge of your child.

What is a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?

In independent literature-based reading ZPD is the range of books that will challenge a child without causing frustration or loss of motivation. Your child will receive a ZPD range after taking a STAR reading test, or teachers and librarians can use their best professional judgment to determine a ZPD. The ZPD and GE (Grade Equivalent) score from the Beginning of year reading assessment will show up in Accelerated Reader, making it easier for teachers and librarians to set goals for students. It’s important for children to read with a high degree of comprehension and with their ZPDs. ZPDs should be adjusted based on the needs of your child.

What are points?

Every book that has an AR Reading Practice Quiz is given a point value. AR points are computed based on the difficulty of the book and length of the book (number of words).

How are Accelerated Reader point goals set?

Based on extensive research, we can provide guidelines for the approximated number of AR points children should be able to earn depending on how much time they read and their reading level. Monitoring AR points earned by children and comparing them to the guideline values enables your child’s teacher and librarian to determine how well your child is using the time provided for reading practice.

Reading Practice Quizzes are the most common type of assessment in AR. The purpose of these quizzes is to determine whether your child has read a book, to measure literal comprehension of the book, and to provide immediate feedback. Each Reading Practice Quiz consists of 3, 5, 10, or 20 multiple-choice questions depending on book level and length.

How do students earn their AR goal?

·       Students make their personal point goal

·       Students read books in their zone of proximal development (not too easy or hard)

·       Students score an average of 80% on reading practice quizzes