Accelerated Reader Joy Christian 2011

What is Accelerated Reader? Computerized learning information system Assessment tool (monitor) Diagnostic tool (manage Motivational tool

How Does AR work? Student’s read a book marked AR Student’s log into the AR program Student selects the quiz for the book Student answers 5-20 questions to assess their comprehension

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

What is a 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

How does AR determine Readability AR’s own formula (ATOS) Three variables -words per sentence -average grade level of those words -characters per words DOES NOT factor in theme appropriateness

How is my student’s ZPD determined? STAR Reader (Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading) -A series of 25 fill-in-the-blank questions that ask students to select appropriate vocabulary words to complete a sentence. Computer-adaptive: questions adjust in level as questions are answered

How are goal’s set? Based on STAR results -ZPD -20 minutes of in-class reading per day -goal’s will be set monthly -adjustable by teacher based on professional discretion

How do student’s reach their goal? Picture books are typically worth “0.5 points” Chapter books are determined by their length Points are earned on “percent correct” on test (80% correct will receive 80% of the books point value)

Grades added to gradebook Grades will be added monthly to Renweb for each student. One grade given for goal reached One grade is given based on their comprehension Both grades will be summative

Does my student HAVE to read an AR book? 4 th and 5 th grade student’s must have an AR book at school Each student will have a monthly point goal there are aiming to reach If a student has reached their AR goal for the month they are welcome to read a non-AR book

How can I help my child? Make sure the appropriate “just right” level book is being read Help him/her select books within their ZPD level. Remember the ZPD is NOT grade level equivalent Get interested in your child’s books. Have them read to you or read together

Need more information? Contact the Library Contact Molly Vass at Contact Sarah Arsenault at

How do I know if a book is an AR book? The school’s library will have them AR marked Access AR book finder at