READING COMPREHENSION THROUGH ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM

Benchmarks LA.E.1.1.2: Identifies the story elements of setting, plot, character, problem and solution/resolution. LA.A.1.1.4: Increases comprehension by rereading, retelling, and discussion.

cont…Benchmarks LA.A.2.2.5: Reads and organizes information for a variety of purposes, including making a report, conducting interviews, taking a test, and performing an authentic task.

Lesson’s Objectives Students identify plot, setting, and main characters after reading/hearing a story. Increase students’ reading comprehension skills. Help students select books appropriate to their reading level. Students take the Accelerated Reader test.

What is Accelerated Reader? Accelerated Reader is the most popular and successful reading software introduced by Renaissance Learning’s computer-based assessment and progress-monitoring technology. It is designed to be part of a comprehensive reading program. It does not replace basic-reader series or other instructional materials; rather, it supports and enhances them.

Primary Goals of Accelerated Reader To enable powerful reading practice. Accelerate growth in reading ability and good comprehension. Enable students to practice at a personalized level and pace. Foster a love of reading in all students. Improve test scores.

How Accelerated Reader Works Teachers schedule time for daily reading practice, additional to the instructional reading period. During this time, students select and read library books that match their individual ability levels and interests.

Cont… When a student finishes a book, he or she takes an AR Reading Practice Quiz on the computer. This quiz assesses general comprehension of the book just read

Cont… Accelerated Reader scores the quiz, keeps track of the results, and generates reports. Teachers use this data to monitor each student’s practice, guide students to appropriate books, and target instruction.

AR Key Concepts Book Level indicates the difficulty of text, not the maturity of content. Interest level tells you for which grade levels a book’s themes and ideas are appropriate. Points are assigned to a book based primarily on its length. The number of points a student earns tells you how much reading a student has done.