- What exactly is Accelerated Reader and how does it work?
- When is the lab open and when may my child go take a test?
- How do my child and I know which books are AR books?
- What are points and how do they work?
- How will I know a book's word count?
- How was my child's reading level determined for the AR program?
- You don't have a test for a book my child read. Can you get it in?
- Is participation in the AR program a requirement?
- What score should my child be getting on their quizzes?
- May my child read a book above or below their level?
- How will my child know if a book is in their reading range?
- My child struggles with reading. Can they not participate if not accelerated?
- When will first grade begin the AR program?
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What exactly is Accelerated Reader and how does it work?
Accelerated Reader (AR) is reading management software that monitors
independent and guided reading practice. It tests students on books that
they read for pleasure as well as books that are part of the Open Court
reading curriculum. It assesses different aspects of reading comprehension.
Basically the program works like this. First the student reads a book or
textbook selection. The student then comes to the lab to take a quiz on the
book. The quizzes provide assessment information that helps motivate reading
as well as provide their teacher with valuable information to target
instruction to accelerate reading growth. Every couple of weeks, a report is
printed out on the student's reading levels and comprehension skills. These
reports will serve as a valuable resource to teachers and parents.
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When is the lab open and when may my child go take a test?
The lab will be open each school day from 7:30-2:30. Students are welcome
to the lab at any time during those hours that their teacher deems an
appropriate time. They must fill out a test request that is signed by their
teacher and bring it to the lab in order to take a test.
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How do my child and I know which books are AR books?
There are two ways: all AR books in the library have a blue sticker on the
spine and the complete list is under the AR test links on this site. There
is also a master quiz list in the lab and in the library. Every teacher also
has a copy of the quiz list. All you have to do is ask if you're not sure of
a book's AR status. I have organized the list by title. Book level and
points are also in this section. We have over 5000 titles available.
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What are points and how do they work?
Each book is designated a certain number of "points" based on the length of
the book and level of difficulty. Longer, harder books have higher point
values. For example, Biscuit books are worth 0.5 pts, Magic Tree House books
are worth 1 point, while Harry Potter books are worth around 25 points. Full
point value is given for perfect scores. Partial points are given for scores
60 or above. Point value for a book is listed on the inner flap of each AR
book in the library.
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How will I know a book's word count?
In the MVPS library, each AR book has its word count on the inner flap of
the book. For books that are NOT in the MVPS library, please go to
www.arbookguide.com. An email went home with directions for access. Please
contact me if you are confused how to use BookGuide.
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How was my child's reading level determined for the AR program?
Beginning the 2007-2008 school year, each student 1st-5th will be given the
STAR assessment, which will pinpoint each child's reading level as well as
their reading zone. Their reading zone is the recommended range of book
levels that has been proven to improve reading. This assessment will be
given in August, January, and again at the end of May. Reading zones will
most likely change for each child after each assessment. The results for
each assessment will go home so you will know your child's reading range.
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You don't have a test for a book my child read. Can you get it in?
If there's a test you would like for me to get, please send me an email and
let me know. If there's a test available for that book, I can include it the
next time I place an order.
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Is participation in the AR program a requirement?
Participation in the AR program is STRONGLY encouraged....it's FUN!!! The
program is student directed, meaning that the student decides how often they
choose to participate. Those who do participate will be eligible for fun
competitions and prizes later in the year. Right now there is between 75 and
80% voluntary participation in the program. That's HUGE!
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What score should my child be getting on their quizzes?
A minimum score of 85% is expected to stay in their zone of proximal
development. A score of 90% is the requirement for earning a trip to
the treasure box. Scores that are consistently lower mean the child is
reading books that are too hard, scores that are consistently much higher
means the child needs to be reading more challenging books. A student always
making 100% on his or her tests needs to push themselves. Studies have shown
that students show more reading growth when they stay in their zone of
proximal development, which is around 85%-90%.
For the purposes of the 2007-2008 reading challenge, a student must score an
80% for their word count to be counted towards their reading goal.
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May my child read a book above or below their level?
The levels are just a guide and a resource. However, if your
child wants to read a book way above their level, it might be something you
could read with your child or to your child. They may take tests on books
that are read to them, with an , or read independently. Just getting
the students interested in and learning to LOVE reading is the main goal.
For those involved in the reading challenge, they may not quiz on
a book that is far below their level.
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How will my child know if a book is in their reading range?
Each AR book has the book's reading level on the inside flap. You may also
check on this website under the AR quiz list links.
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My child struggles with reading. Can they not participate if not accelerated?
This is a common misconception. Accelerated Reader does not mean this
program is geared only towards those students who are reading way above
grade level. Accelerated means to accelerate reading growth at ANY reading
level. Each child is capable of feeling successful in the program since each
child works within their own abilities. Every student can succeed and
experience reading growth regardless of their reading level.
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When will first grade begin the AR program?
First grade will begin the program in November, beginning with a STAR
assessment given to each student.
