What is Accelerated Reader and how will it run in our school?

Accelerated Reader is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children's independent reading practice.

• Initially, a Star Assessment which is an online reading and comprehension test is administered to the children. This determines the reading age, range and comprehension level of each child.  
• Each child has been issued with a reading range which will be used to access the appropriate levelled books in our school library.
• Individuals choose a book at the specified level and after the book is read, a short online quiz will be taken at school.
• Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.
• Accelerated Reader gives both children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set targets and direct ongoing reading practice.

Children using Accelerated Reader choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them. However, they will be encouraged to read a variety of genres over time.

Teachers and librarians help your child choose books at an appropriate reading level that are challenging without being frustrating, ensuring that your child can pass the quiz and experience success.

If your child does not do well on a quiz, the teacher may help them:

• Choose another book that is more appropriate.
• Ask more probing questions as your child reads and before taking a quiz.
• Pair your child with another student, or even have the book read to your child.

In most cases, children really enjoy taking the quizzes. Since they are reading books at their reading and interest levels, they are likely to be successful. This is satisfying for most children. Best of all, they learn and grow at their own pace.

How much will my child read during the day?

Reading is an essential part of the school curriculum and occurs in many forms across the school day. As a part of this process your child will be encouraged to read for at least 20 minutes every day for homework. Follow up reading, quizzes and teacher conferencing regarding your child’s reading will also be part of the school routine.

 How can I help my child become a better reader?

As with anything, performance improves with practice. Create a culture of reading in your household by reading with your child, letting your child see you reading and discussing books that each of you have read. When reading with your child, stop and ask questions to be sure your child is comprehending what is read. Reading with your child, no matter what the child's age, is an important part of developing a good reader, building a lifelong love of reading and learning and creating a loving relationship between you and your child. Make learning a family affair!

What if my child does not like reading?

Using Accelerated Reader, your child will choose the books he/she wants to read. The teacher will make certain the book is at the right level so that after completing the book, your child should do well on the Accelerated Reader Reading Practice Quiz. Success on the quiz will encourage your child to read more. With guidance from the teacher and success, even students who say they do not like reading will develop a love of reading.

What are points?

Every book that has an Accelerated Reader Reading Practice Quiz is given a point value. Accelerated Reader points are computed based on the difficulty of the book and the length of the book (number of words).

Children earn points, or a portion of a book's points, depending on how well they do on the Reading Practice Quiz.

How are Accelerated Reader point targets set?

Based on extensive research, we can provide guidelines for the approximate number of Accelerated Reader points children should be able to earn depending on how much time they read and their reading level. Monitoring Accelerated Reader points earned by children and comparing them to the guideline values enables your child's teacher to determine how well your child is using the time provided for reading practice. If the school has Star Reading, students' scores will be accessible in Accelerated Reader, making it easier for teachers to set point targets for students.

How will I know if a book has an Accelerated Reader quiz?

To know which quizzes your school has available, you can visit Accelerated Reader Bookfinder at www.arbookfind.com.au to conduct a search of all available books with Accelerated Reader quizzes. However, your school library and teachers will be able to provide your child with the necessary reading materials.

Is it OK for my child to read outside of his/her reading level?

Just because a child can read the words in a book does not mean the content is appropriate. The interest level of the material must be considered. Interest level is based on content - a book's themes and ideas - and indicates for which age group a book is appropriate. The chart below shows which ages fall into each interest level.

These are recommendations. It is the responsibility of teachers, librarians and parents to use their best judgment when guiding children to appropriate books.