Accelerated Reader® 101 for Parents Everything you wanted to know and more!

What is Accelerated Reader ®? Computerized learning information system Assessment tool (monitor) Diagnostic tool (manage) Motivational tool AR assesses comprehension of a book. It does not teach the child to read nor does it, by itself, improve a child’s reading skill. It simply tests the reader on comprehension. The data generated by the program helps teachers guide their students toward appropriate reading materials to improve their reading skills. The program is simply one small part of an overall reading instruction program.

How does it work? Student reads an on level book marked “AR” Needs to read book Needs to use before, during, and after reading strategies as reading Student logs in to AR program Student selects the quiz for that book Student answers between 5 to 10 questions on the title he or she read There are several ways a library will be marked as an AR title and students are taught to recognize the labels that we place on books. Students must memorize a simple password to log in to AR to take a test. The program then prompts the student to select the quiz that matches the book read. The number of questions on the quiz directly correlates to the readability level and the length of the title.

Then what? Teacher gets test results Diagnostic reports give teachers valuable information on students’ reading practice and literacy skills development Teacher then guides student towards reading materials within their ZPD for improvement The program keeps a running tally of tests taken as well as detailed information about the student’s comprehension. That data helps teachers tailor his or her teaching to address the skills that need to be taught to help each student improve their reading comprehension. That sometimes means that listening skills need to be reinforced if read-alouds are not generating a high passing score. It could also mean that small group instruction could take place where students talk about their books to help them understand concepts like character, plot, and setting.

What is “ZPD?” Zone of Proximal Difference The range of book readability levels that will result in optimal growth in reading ability. The range of books that will challenge a student without causing frustration or loss of motivation Readability levels do NOT correspond to grade level as many people assume. For example, a 5th grade student who reads on a grade level of 5.0 would have a ZPD of 3.7 to 5.1 readability. The key to using the ZPD is to keep in mind that it represents a range of readability levels that will support the improvement of reading skills without frustration.

How does AR determine “readability”? AR’s own formula (ATOS) Three variables Words per sentence Average grade level of those words Characters per word Does NOT factor in theme or age appropriateness! The company that produces the AR program investigated a wide variety of readability scales and, based on extensive research, came up with what they felt was the best of all of those scales. Their research showed that the strongest indicators of readability were “words per sentence” “average grade level of those words” and “characters per word.” In spite of the quality of these determinants, none of them factor in the appropriateness of the theme or maturity of the title. A prime example of this is the fact that “The Color Purple” has a very similar readability level as “Misty of Chincoteague” but the mature theme of “The Color Purple” makes it an inappropriate choice for an elementary reader. This is why it is so important to remember that AR is simply one tool in a much larger set of reading skills instruction that involves the student, the teacher, and the parents.

How is my student’s ZPD determined? STAR Reader (Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading) A series of 25 multiple-choice questions that ask students to select appropriate vocabulary words to complete a sentence Computer-adaptive: questions adjust to student’s level as questions are answered The STAR test always begins with 3 test questions to give the student a feel for how the test will run. A student should have a minimum of a 100-word reading vocabulary in order for the test results to be an accurate picture of the student’s skills. The test starts several grade levels below the students’ grade placement but then “adaptive branching” takes over by analyzing student response and giving further questions of appropriate difficulty. The test generally takes about 10 minutes and is designed to minimize frustration and anxiety.

How are “goals” set? Based on STAR results ZPD 10-15 minutes of reading practice nightly Student individual ability Adjustable by teacher as necessary in his/her professional judgment The test results give the teacher a student’s grade equivalent, percentile rank and range, and a ZPD. That data helps the teacher set goals based on assumed 30-minute-per-day reading practice over the course of an 18 week semester. The teacher has the flexibility to adjust that goal up or down depending on the student’s particular set of circumstances. By setting goals based on ZPD it helps create equality throughout the classrooms so that all students’ goals are based on their individual readability range regardless of grade level.

AR Color Coding Chart used at Forest Ridge Elementary The first number indicates grade level. The number after the decimal indicates the number of month. For example: 2.1 is second grade, the first month of the school year. While your child may be reading at a certain level, it is very important for him/her to read at his/her comprehension level. He/she needs to test between 80%-100% to be considered successful at a level. Therefore, he or she might actually be on an AR level below what he or she can verbally read. The test results give the teacher a student’s grade equivalent, percentile rank and range, and a ZPD. That data helps the teacher set goals based on assumed 30-minute-per-day reading practice over the course of an 18 week semester. The teacher has the flexibility to adjust that goal up or down depending on the student’s particular set of circumstances. By setting goals based on ZPD it helps create equality throughout the classrooms so that all students’ goals are based on their individual readability range regardless of grade level. 9

How do students reach their goals? Picture books are typically “worth” 0.5 points “Chapter” book points determined by length (for lower grade levels between 0.5 to 2.0 points) Points earned based on “percent correct” on test (score of 80 on test earns 80% of book’s point value) Chapter books range in points from 1 for early readers or “bridge” books up to 66 points for “David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens. Statistical data shows that students who’s average test score is between 85% and 92% are reading in their range, improving their skills, and primed for optimal reading growth. We often tell students that if they can read a book in 5 minutes and pass the test on it then the book was below their ZPD and they are not improving their skills. Quality reading is indicated by an average quiz score of 80% to 100%

How can I help my child? Make sure he/she is reading “just right” books Books he/she can read without much help (perhaps only missing one or two words a book or page) Encourage him/her select books within his/her ZPD (AR level) Let your child read books to you Ask detailed questions about what he/she is reading! Who is in your book? (Characters) Where does it take place? (Setting) What happened first/next/at the end? (Plot) What did you think about the book? We teach them the “5-finger” rule for selecting a book that is just right for them (demonstrate). Get with your child’s teacher so that you know what your child’s readability range or ZPD is so you can double-check that with the books they bring home from the library. Make reading a priority in your home – read with your child, let your child read to you, ask your child about their book and what they think about it, and most importantly, model reading to your child with newspapers, magazines, and books that YOU enjoy.