WHAT IS Accelerated Reading (AR)?
The Accelerated Reader (AR) program is a popular reading management software used primarily in schools to monitor and manage students reading practice and progress. Developed by Renaissance Learning, the AR program aims to encourage students to read more and improve their reading skills through a structured approach. The goal of the AR program is to foster a love of reading, improve literacy skills, and provide a structured way for teachers to support and monitor their students reading development.
How does it work?
1. Reading Level Assessment: Students start by taking a computer-based assessment called the STAR Reading test, which determines their reading level. This helps in selecting books that are appropriate for their reading ability.
2. Book Selection: Based on the assessment, students choose books within their reading level range (starting from 0.1). These books are often labeled with an AR level, which indicates the difficulty of the text. Note: this is not the same as the numbers (typically 1-4) assigned to “I Can Read” books printed on the cover.
3. Reading Practice: Students read the selected books at their own pace. The program encourages them to read both in and out of the classroom.
4. Quizzes: After finishing a book, students take a computer-based quiz in the classroom that tests their comprehension of the book. These quizzes typically include multiple-choice questions about the plot, characters, and other details.
5. Scoring and Feedback: The AR program provides immediate feedback on quiz results. Scores are recorded, and then the next book is selected.
How can you support your student?
The best way to support your student is to allow time and space for reading at home. Your student will come home with a book they have selected and look for your encouragement to read it at home. It’s good to chat with your student about what they read (keeping it ight, such as “what did you like about that book?” or “did anything surprise you about that book?” etc.). They will take their quiz in the classroom, but light discussion can sometimes assist reading comprehension and desire to read overall. If you’re interested in the books in the system and want to find titles in the series, or titles by the authors, you can search this website by book, ISBN, or author name exactly as it appears at AR BookFinder: http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx
PVCP LIBRARY August 2025
Mrs. Shafer (Library Media)
www.paradisevalleychristian.com
HAPPY READING!
