Accelerated Reader

QUESTION AND ANSWER

Question:         What is Accelerated Reader?

Answer:           Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer software program that allows educators to monitor student progress in the area of reading comprehension.

Question:        How is it used by the students?

Answer:           There are three essential steps each student must follow in order to ensure reading success.  Throughout this process, the teacher will carefully monitor each step.

Step #1-  The student chooses a book which is appropriate for his/her developmental level.  This level is referred to as a ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) or Reading Range.  Books below their range provide little challenge, whereas books above their range approach frustration level, which can negatively impact reading progress.  Books within the range are often referred to as “just right” books.

Step #2-  The student reads his/her book.  Reading can be done in a number of ways including independent reading, paired reading, guided reading, and oral reading.  The teacher will provide necessary input in this decision.

Step #3-  The student takes a quiz, which consists of literal comprehension questions.  This quiz is immediately accessible to the teacher.

Question:         What does the classroom teacher do to ensure reading success?

Answer:           Because Accelerated Reader is simply a software piece; a large part of student success is due to the instruction that takes place in the classroom.  Here is a list of questions teachers may ask themselves throughout the process.

·         Have I taught my students the necessary strategies they will need to be successful on the quiz?

·         Have I monitored the amount of reading that is taking place throughout the day?

·         After the students have finished taking a quiz, did I discuss their results with them and provide suggestions for future reading?

·         Does reading a book within their ZPD challenge my students?  If not, should their ZPD change?

Question:      Will AR replace any current reading programs at Estrella?

Answer:       Absolutely not.  Although other schools in other districts may use AR as

                        their sole reading program, we are using it as a supplement to our current

                        resources.

Question:         Will students only be allowed to read AR books?

Answer:        No.  Our library is filled with many wonderful books that are not designated

AR books.  The hope is that by using this program, students will learn how to choose a book that is appropriate for them to read.  Accelerated Reader books will always be recommended because of the assessment piece, which is so valuable to the classroom teacher.

Question:          What is the ultimate goal of Accelerated Reader?

Answer:            The ultimate goal of this program is to develop lifelong readers.  Statistics have

                          proven that kids will develop a love for reading if they choose books that are

                          commensurate with their ability.  Over time, they will build confidence in their

                          skills and thus their reading abilities will improve.

If you have further questions regarding Accelerated Reader please contact your child's teacher.

Below are lists of quizzes and books that are part of the Accelerated Reader program.  The quizzes are ones that we have here at Estrella, so, if you are off to the public library your child can check out one of those book.  The other list is current AR books we have in the Estrella library.  We are working hard to match the quizzes with the books!