1. Accelerated Reader

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

3. 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.

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

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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….

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

13. 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.

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

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

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Information available on Home Connect
Sign up for s 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

20. Parents can also be notified via 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 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.

21. setup

22. 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

23. 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

24. SES uses 30 minutes of daily practice per 6 weeks

25. 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….

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

27. or your child’s teacher
Questions???
or your child’s teacher