Accelerated Reader is a software program to help monitor and encourage student independent reading. It is meant to keep each student challenged because they are able to choose books geared to their level without being frustrated.
How does it work?
1. Select a book(from the titles on the AR quiz list)
2. Read the book.
3. Take a test on the computer to check comprehension. Tests are multiple choice featuring 5, 10, or 20 questions. The computer shows the student how many questions they answered correctly, indicates the answers they missed, and awards reading points.
4. Teachers assign goals that students need to reach each quarter.
5. Prizes are awarded based on percentage of goal reached. Our levels are 25, 50, 75, and 100%. Each level must be met with at least an 80% passage rate.
Where can I find an Accelerated Reader list?
We now have Accelerated Reader Enterprise. This means we have access to the 20,000 and growing quizzes that Renaissance Learning creates. To find out whether a book has a quiz or not, go to the AR Book Finder Button, located under the Accelerated Reader tab. Then type in the title or author of a book.
How do I choose a book?
Don't pick a book based solely on its point value! Pick a book that is interesting to you, is at an appropriate reading level, and can be read in a couple of weeks or less.
You only get one chance at passing a test. If you read a 20-point book that takes you the full nine weeks to finish and you fail the quiz, you will have no points to show for your work.
How often should I be reading?
You should be reading at least 45 minutes per day. Most days you will have time in your class to read. This means you will need at least 15-20 minutes more of reading time outside of your class. If you read slowly, you need to plan on reading at least 25 minutes daily at home in addition to the time you have in school. Your reading speed will increase with practice.
Where and when can I take a test?
While we have a link on our Willard Home Page, you are allowed to take tests only during school time. Therefore, you can take them in your classroom, the library, or a computer lab.
Why isn't it good if I'm getting 100% on every test?
If you are getting 100% every time you take a test, you are reading books that are too easy. AR can dramatically improve your reading only if you read books that are challenging. If you are getting 100% most of the time, you should move up a half or whole grade level. You are at the right level when you average around 85-92% on the tests.
Remember: You want to finish your book as soon as possible: otherwise you are likely to forget important details from the earlier sections of the book before you finally take the quiz.