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Accelerated Reader
A Parent’s Guide to Accelerated Reader
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated reader is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at their own level and reads it at their own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer. Passing the quiz is an indication that your child has understood what has been read.
Teachers may assist pupils by:
- Guiding them to books appropriate to their ability and interest;
- Asking probing questions as your child reads and before quizzing;
- Pairing your child with others, Reading with or reading to your child.
How can I help my child become a better reader?
As with anything, performance improves with practice. According to Renaissance Learning's research, children who read at least 20 minutes a day with a 90% comprehension rate on AR quizzes see the greatest gains. Encourage your child to read at home, discuss books, ask questions about what they have read and visit your local library.
What is the STAR Reading test?
STAR Reading is used to determine your child’s reading level. It is a computer-based reading assessment programme which uses computer adaptive technology. Questions are continually adjusted to your child’s responses. If the child’s response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If the child cannot answer a question or answers incorrectly, the difficulty level is reduced. The test uses multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 20 minutes.
What is a Book Level?
Book Levels are reported using the ATOS readability formula and represent the difficulty of the text. The levels range from 0.2-13.5. Text chosen based on the ZPD range recommended for each student by STAR Reading.
What is a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)?
ZPD is the range of books that will challenge the child without causing frustration or loss of motivation. Your child will receive a ZPD reading range after taking the STAR Reading test. It is important for children to read with a higher degree of comprehension and within ZPD.
What are Points?
Every book that has an AR Reading practice quiz is given a points value. AR points are based on the length of the book (number of words). Students earn a percentage of points according to how well they pass the quiz.
What is Interest Level?
The interest level indicates for which age group a book is appropriate, based on the content and themes. These are recommendations only and teachers and parents must use their best judgement when guiding students.
The examples above have a book level of 4.0 since both have short sentences and vocabulary that is simple. However, Noughts and Crosses is intended for older students, while The Enormous Crocodile is intended for younger students.
How can I find further information?
Visit AR Book Finder to conduct a search of all the books available with AR quizzes.