Accelerated Reader

What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader is a reading program designed to encourage and promote successful reading. It helps students to track their reading comprehension by providing them the tools to measure their improvement. AR places the focus on the careful reading of books, which in turn promotes critical thinking.

How does it work?

After a student reads a book, they log on to the classroom computer and takes the AR Reading Practice quiz for the book they just completed. They earn points based on their success on each quiz. The questions are designed to show how well the student understands the material. It’s one thing to read a book – it’s another thing to comprehend it in a meaningful way. The school provides incentives by way of the AR Store to encourage successful reading. It's a fun, exciting way to encourage a love of reading in children.

How can I find out how many points my child has accumulated?

Your child can check his/her reading record through the AR program at school. You can also check the Renaissance Home Connect website to see your child's AR quiz scores. Another option is to check the reading log, which should have the score and number of points earned for each quiz taken.

Can my child take quizzes on books we own or check out from other libraries?

Yes, but the tests will need to be taken at Plew. Please check the Renaissance Learning website for the list of AR quizzes that we have access to. You will need a username and password to access the quiz list, which is sorted by level, author, and title. Some titles are similar, so be sure to check that the authors match, as well.

It is important that you help your child choose materials in his/her ZPD. Students are only allowed to quiz on books that fall within their ZPD.

How can I help?

Assist your child with his/her daily reading assignment. Help them make book choices appropriate to their reading level. Encourage their efforts and ask them about the stories they're reading.

Many teachers welcome parents to come supervise children taking AR quizzes in the classroom. Check with your child's teacher and see if they need some help.

Because the students are excited about earning points and meeting their goals, we are checking out books at a remarkable rate.

If have any questions or are interested in volunteering in the Media Center, please contact Media Assistant Shawna Crist at 833-4100.

Read to and with your child every day!