Let’s Learn about AR

What is AR? AR, or Accelerated Reader, is a reading program that tests students on his/her comprehension of the book he/she read. Students will read books on his/her individual level, then take an online comprehension test for the book. The program awards points to students based on the earned score of the comprehension test he/she took. Students are given an individualized point goal to meet each nine week grading period.

How will my child get started? Each child will login to his/her AR account. Students will be given the STAR Reading Test; which will test students on his/her knowledge of reading and comprehension. From this, students are given a Zone of Proximal Development, ZPD, or a reading level as we will call it. Students will take the STAR test each nine weeks to monitor his/her progress. As needed, your child may be moved up or down in reading levels, to maximize his/her learning and understanding.

How will my child know which book to choose? AR reading levels are color coded. After your child takes the initial STAR test and is given a reading level they will also be given the “color” of his/her level. Your child will be required to check out 2 AR books, on his/her reading level, each week from the library. You may also go onto the following website to check if any books at home may be AR books, and what level they may be. Website: arbookfinder.com

How will it be used in the classroom? Teachers have access to look at who has taken a test and what score he/she may have received. Your child will be required to read and take a quiz(zes) each week. Part of your child’s weekly Study Skills grade will be based on your child’s PARTICIPATION of AR through the week, NOT the actual quiz percentage.

Weekly quiz(zes) For the rest of the First Nine Week grading period, your child will only be required to read and take a quiz on ONE AR book each week. Starting the Second Nine Week grading period, through the rest of the school year, your child will be required to read and take a quiz on TWO AR books each week. Quizzes can ONLY be taken at school!!

How can I help at home? Read with your child for 20 minutes, or more, each night. Use your child’s AR books as his/her nightly reading. Ask your child questions about the story, as he/she reads. Encourage your child to read for the enjoyment, and learning. Don’t make reading all about the points/ quiz score/ point goal! You can look up books to check if they are AR books, and what level they may be by going to Arbookfinder.com