What is Accelerated Reader (AR)?

AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at his/her own assessed reading level and reads it at his/her own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer. (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) AR gives children, teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.

 

Children using AR choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them.

 

Teachers help your child choose books at an appropriate readability level that are challenging without being frustrating, ensuring that your child can pass the quiz and experience success.

 

If your child does not do well on the quiz, the teacher may help your child:

• Choose another book that is more appropriate. Is the book at the right level?

• Check the reading pace.  Reading too fast or too slow can affect comperehension.

• Ask more probing questions as your child reads and before your child takes a quiz.  Review the story before testing.

• Pair your child with another student, or even have the book read to your child.  Independent reading is developed over time.  "Read to" and "read with" strategies are steps to independent reading.

 

In most cases, children really enjoy taking the quizzes. Since they’re reading books at their reading and
interest levels, they are likely to be successful. This is satisfying for most children. Best of all, they learn and grow at their own pace.