Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader, also called AR, is a district wide reading incentive program that encourages students to read so that they can reach a personal reading goal based on individual skill level. AR gives students the opportunity to be responsible because they have to keep track of their own reading progress and manage their time wisely.
In the AR program, students read books then take quizzes over the books. When students do well on the quizzes they earn points. The quizzes are online and the AR program keeps track of books read, quiz scores, points, and quiz averages. Every student has a point goal assigned to them by their teacher each marking period.
In the AR program, the nine weeks are called marking periods.
Each marking period, students have the opportunity to meet their AR goal.
This goal has two parts:
The student’s AR quiz average must be 80% or better*
AND
The student must earn their individual points assigned by the teacher by the end of the marking period
ATOS level refers to the reading level of the books. You will see ATOS level listed on the progress page for AR. The ATOS level isn't a factor in earning the AR goal. It just lets teachers & families know the difficulty level the students are choosing when quizzing.
Students who reach their both parts of the reading goal each marking period will receive recognition and a reward! Students who reach their goals all 4 of the nine weeks marking periods will receive special recognition at the awards ceremony at the end of the school year!
2023 - 2024 AR marking periods
1st marking period: August 28 - October 13
2nd marking period: October 14 - December 31
3rd marking period: January 1 - March 8
4th marking period: March 9 - May 3
FAQs:
How does my child sign up for AR?
They don’t have to sign up. If they are enrolled in school in grades K through 5, they are already enrolled in the AR program.
Which grade levels participate in AR?
Grades 2 through 5 began AR in August. 1st grade and kinder typically begin in the spring semester, but you can contact you child's teacher for specifics.
How can my child meet his or her goal each marking period?
Each marking period students can meet their goal by earning all points expected of them AND maintaining a quiz average of 80% or higher. Point goals are assigned by the teacher and are different for each student. The point value is based on each student’s individual reading skill level.
How do I know my child’s individual reading level?
Teachers have the reading level information for each student. Contact the you student's teacher if you have questions.
How do students take quizzes to earn AR points?
Students can read books at any time then take quizzes any time. The AR program is available 24/7 from any computer that is connected to the internet, including smartphones.
How can I encourage my child to meet their goal?
Read with your child at home! You can remind your child to bring their library books home to read with you. Students can take AR quizzes over books they have read OR books that have been read to them, so taking time to read with your child is a great way to ensure that they are reading every day and are prepared for AR quizzes.
Can I help my child take AR quizzes?
We highly encourage you to read with your child every day! You can help your child log in to AR and can help read the quiz questions and answer choices, but please do not help your child answer the questions. Part of the learning process is for kids to figure out the answers on their own. Students should not use the book to answer the questions unless it is a nonficion fact book or a chapter book over 300 pages.
How can I check my child’s AR progress?
You can log on to your student’s ClassLink account then click the Renaissance icon. Click the "progress" trophy icon at the top of the page.
Is there a contest or prize for the student who reads to most books or earns the most points?
No. Each student is expected to reach his or her personal goal based on individual skill level. All students have the opportunity to meet their goals each nine weeks. All students who meet their goal requirements will receive recognition. There is no first place or overall "winner" because AR is not a competition against other students.
Students who meet their AR goals all 4 marking periods will earn the Golden Eagle Reading Medal at the awards ceremony in May
Students who read over a million words this school year will receive extra privileges in the library and the Millionaire Medal at the awards ceremony in May.
If you have any other questions, feel free to call Sandra Plumb at the FES library at 830-221-2700.