ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM

 
What is AR (Accelerated Reader)?                      Accelerated Reader is computer based supplemental reading program to help students  improve their reading skills while encouraging them to become lifelong readers. 

How does AR Work?
     Using a diagnostic reading assessment tool, such as the STAR program, students are given a reading range (or ZPD) which enables students to practice, grow and challenge their reading abilities. Students use their reading range to guide them in selecting books on their reading level. Students are encouraged to start at the bottom of their reading range to allowing themselves practice on their reading skills. As the students gradually move up the range to top, the students will be challenged to grow in their proficiency.
     After a student reads a selected book within their range, the student may take a computerized comprehension test on that book.  Questions vary from 5 to 20 questions in number and move chronologically through the book.  At the end of the test, the student is given their score showing him or her the results of their success and how many points they earned on the book.  For any student to be working to the best of their ability, scores should be 80% or higher.

 
    

 

 

 

 What is an AR point goal?
     Based on the student's ability, a student is given a point goal for each nine weeks. The classroom teacher sets each student's goal based on several factors.  Factors include grade, reading range, student's potential, and past reading record.  Reaching goals are equivalent to time spent practicing the skill of reading. The longer the book, the more points the book is worth. Students are more successful when they read good literature. Points show how much time is spent reading.

How are students rewarded for AR Points?
     At College Street Elementary students are rewarded by their teachers regularly and at the end of every nine weeks.  As students earn points and maintain an 85% average they have opportunities to earn prizes from their teachers and such things as discarded library books or magazines.  At the end of each nine weeks students that has achieved their goal for the nine weeks and maintained and 85% average or higher is rewarded with a special reward. Some rewards from the past year was a visit to our school of local critters (animals), a bowling field trip, a field trip to high school pep rally, and opportunity to Charlotte's Web at the cinema.