Accelerated Reader

AR is a computer-based program designed to increase reading comprehension through daily monitoring using trade books

Implementation:1. Student takes the STAR Test (Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading) First grade students take the STAR Test in January and at the end of the year. 2nd-5th grade students take the STAR at the beginning, middle, and end of the year.

2. The student’s IRL (Independent Reading Level) is determined

IRL = Independent Reading Level The level at which a student can read with little to no help

Other data from the STAR Test: GE = Grade Equivalent The level at which a student comprehends what s/he hears

ZPD = Zone of Proximal Development The levels of predicted student growth This will be posted in the student’s AR folder at the beginning of the year. Students will use this information to help them check out appropriate books.

3. Student selects and reads books within his/her ZPD These will be books that are not too hard but not too easy! The students will be able to comprehend them well and also grow as a reader.

4. Student takes tests at school on the books selected whenever ready 4. Student takes tests at school on the books selected whenever ready. Students may test in the library before school from 7:15-7:45. They can also test while in their library and computer classes or in the classroom as time allows.

5. Steps 3-4 can be repeated as often as the student is ready. 1st grade parents write the quiz number, the title of the book (can be found inside the front cover of the library book) and sign their child’s AR folder to let the teacher know he/she is ready to test. At the beginning of the year, this is very important so that teachers know that the student has read over the book several times and has understood the book enough to perform well on the AR quiz. See sample AR folder log on next slide….

Tests can be taken only at school and only once. Things to remember: Tests can be taken only at school and only once.

2. The student receives points for passing the test based on his/her score. 4. The number of points for 100% is on a sticker inside the front cover of the book.

Every test has 5, 10, or 20 questions based on the length of the book and difficulty level.

Example:For 5-question test worth 1 point: 1 point for 100% .8 for 80% .6 for 60%

Students can take tests on books from the SES library, the public library, or home. Our library books and the public library books are labeled with book levels and other information. You can check AR levels on books from home by simply searching ARbookfind.com. Students/parents should write down the title and quiz number of the book in their AR folder.

Tests can be taken in the classroom, school library or school computer lab. Each teacher treats testing differently and may or may not allow time to test in the classroom during the day. However, students can test in the library from 7:15-7:45 and/or during their weekly library/computer class.

How can I monitor my child’s AR progress? AR Home Connect Go to the Sterlington Elementary website and click on AR Home Connect under “Parents and Students”>”Quick Links”. The Username is your child’s student #. Password is their first and last initials. These are also found on the front of their AR folder.

Information available on Home Connect Sign up for emails that come to you every time your child takes a quiz and shows you how your child is progressing through the six weeks. Information on how your student is progressing through the current six weeks Number of words your student has read the current six weeks or for the entire year View the books your child has read and quizzed on and see how they performed on them

Parents can also be notified via email after their child takes an AR test. They can do this by going to the AR Home Connect link on the Sterlington Elementary website. There is information at the top right hand corner after you log into Home Connect. Follow the directions to set up email notification. (see example on next slide) When done, you will be able to see the tested books, child’s score, and points earned for the current six weeks.

Email setup

Motivation and Incentives: Meeting or exceeding student’s six week goals Six weeks’ celebrations for meeting goals Medal and recognition at end of year assembly for meeting each six weeks’ goal End of year celebration for meeting each six weeks’ goal 100, 200, 300, and 400 point club recognition on bulletin board Million word readers’ club-end of year lunch and treat Top readers for the six weeks and for the year recognition Outstanding AR classroom recognition

Goal Setting Each 6 Weeks is personalized for each independent reader is done by using the STAR test results from the beginning of the year

SES uses 30 minutes of daily practice per 6 weeks

What can you do? 1.Encourage and congratulate 2. Monitor the Home Connect site and check over your child’s AR folder 3. For the younger students: help the child read the book to you several times, ask questions to ensure comprehension. Many of the 1st grade books have a recorded voice that reads the questions to the students. So, even if your child is still struggling with reading, as long as you read and went over the book with your child, they will be successful and show comprehension. 4. For the younger students: help your child by writing their book title and quiz number in their folder and signing the folder to show teachers that your child is ready to test on that book. Make sure the AR folder is returned each day. 5. For the younger students: If your child is reading a book you checked out from the public library or is part of his/her own book collection and you want him/her to use the Recorded Voice option (reads the quiz to the students with headphones), check the “AR BookFinder” website to make sure the book your child is testing on has “Recorded Voice” option. See next slide….

Screenshot of AR Bookfind.com This RV means the book has “recorded voice” (headphones).

or your child’s teacher Questions??? Email traceywoodhead@opsb.net or your child’s teacher