Accelerated Reader A Guide for Educators

What is Accelerated Reader?  AR is a computer program that helps teachers and librarians manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice.  Your child picks a book at his own level and reads it at his or her own pace.  Students choose their own books to read. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them.

How does Accelerated Reader work?  After finishing the selected book, students take a short computerized quiz. (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.)  Students earn points when they pass quizzes and passing quizzes can indicate to teachers and librarians what reading level students should be on.  If a student does not do well on the quiz, the teacher or librarian can assist the student by:  Helping the student choose another book that is more appropriate.  Asking more probing questions as the student reads and before the student takes a quiz.  Pairing the student with another student, or even have the book read to the student.

How are students’ goals set?  Student’s reading level  Time spent reading  Time frame of goal ______________________ GOAL

How are points assigned to books?  Every book that has an AR Reading Practice Quiz is given a point value. AR points are computed based on the difficulty of the book (ATOS readability level) and the length of the book (number of words).

How many points is this book worth?  Students can use their search box on their account OR  Students, Teachers, or Parents can visit the website to check AR point value or reading level for books.  Searches can be conducted by title, partial title, or author.

What if there isn’t a quiz for this book?  New quizzes are added weekly.  Renaissance Place accepts requests for new quizzes.  Teachers and Librarians can make tests for books.  These homemade tests will be replaced by the real test when Renaissance Place makes a test for the book.

How are points earned?  When a student tests on a book, they receive points based on the percentage of questions correct. For example, 100% correct will earn full points, but 60% - 99% will only earn partial points. If a student scores below 60% it is considered a failing test and the student does not receive any points.

Can a student pass a test without reading the book?  While possible, it is highly unlikely. If a student fails a test it is for one of two reasons—either a) the student did not read the book or b) the student did not comprehend the book. The latter of which should be evaluated by the student’s reading teacher.  In the case of movies based off books, the questions are designed so students cannot pass by only watching the movie.  Once a test is failed, it cannot be attempted in the future when the book is actually read or re-read.

Is Accelerated Reader Common Core aligned?  CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.10  CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.10 By the end of the year, read and comprehend literary nonfiction in the grades 6-8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.10

 Studies show that students who are encouraged to read books of interest to them and within their target range become more engaged in reading and graduate to more increasingly complex text as the Common Core requires. Is Accelerated Reader Common Core aligned?

Parental Involvement?  Accelerated Reader allows parents to monitor a student’s progress towards reading goals.  Accelerated Reader allows parents to conduct book searches.  Accelerated Reader allows parents to review results, view the number of books read, words read, and quizzes passed.  Accelerated Reader open house

Is Accelerated Reader proving effective?  First Year of Accelerated Reader at NJHS  SRI scores  TLI Scores  Benchmark (TBA)  There are over 168 research studies that support the overall effectiveness of AR.

Technical Support?  Automatic software updates and upgrades.  Provides live chat support to answer questions and provide immediate assistance  Hosts Webinars to train faculty (professional development)

Questions or Comments?  Accelerated Reader?  Implementation?  Structure?  Books?  Testing?  Other?

How can I motivate my students to do well with Accelerated Reader?  FOOD!  Tokens  In-class competitions  Compete against the teacher  Hall of Fame  Top Achiever Recognition  “PopStar” Coupon

References  Meador, Derrick. "Accelerated Reader: Review of Accelerated Reader." Accelerated Reader: Review of Accelerated Reader. About.com, n.d. Web. 1 Apr  