Frequently Asked Questions About AR
Your child will be participating in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. This guide is designed to answer your questions about AR. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact your child's teacher, the school librarian, or visit the Accelerated Reader website at www.renlearn.com/ar.
What is Accelerated Reader?
AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children's independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at his own level and reads it at his own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer. (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) AR gives both children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.
Children using AR choose their own books to read and can choose books that are interesting to them. 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 the quiz, the teacher may help him:
- Choose another book that is more appropriate
- Ask more probing questions as your child reads and before he takes 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're reading books at their own 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 can I help my child become a better reader?
As with anything, performance improves with practice. Encourage your child to read at home. Create a culture of reading in your household by reading with your child, starting a home library, visiting your local library or bookstore on a regular basis, letting your child see you reading, and discussing books that each of you has read. Reading with your child, no matter what the child's age, is an important part of developing a good reader and building a lifelong love of reading and learning.
What if my child doesn't like reading?
Using AR, your child will choose the books he wants to read. The teacher will guide students to books at an appropriate level so that after completing the book, your child should do well on the AR Quiz. Teacher guidance and success on the quiz will encourage your child to read more.
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Will my child have to read a book I don't want him to read?
No. There are many, many choices of books at your child's level. He will never be forced to read a book you find questionable.
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I'm concerned that my child will be unfairly compared to others.
Then you'll really like AR because it helps the teacher work with each child individually. Students using AR are encouraged to progress at their own pace and set their own goals with the help of the teacher. The aim of AR is for all children to succeed in achieving their goals.
AR helps all children become better readers, from students with special needs to those who are gifted and talented. When children read books at an appropriate level, they experience success. Furthermore, teachers work with children to set appropriate goals based on each child's reading level.
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How does the school determine my child's reading level?
Teachers determine your child's reading level by using a STAR Reading test and using their best professional judgment based on the knowledge of your child.
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What is a STAR Reading test?
STAR Reading is a computerized reading assessment that uses computer-adaptive technology. Questions continually adjust to your child's responses. If the child's response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If the child misses a questions, the difficulty level is reduced. The test uses multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 15 minutes.
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What are points?
Every book that has an AR Quiz is given a point value. AR points are computed based on the difficulty of the book (ATOS readability level) and the length of the book (number of words). As word count increases, so do points, as longer books provide more reading practice time.
The Berenstain Bears
and Baby Makes Five
ATOS Book Level: 3.5
944 words
0.5 point
Hank the Cowdog
ATOS Book Level: 4.5
23,269 words
3.0 points
The Sun Also Rises
ATOS Book Level: 4.4
67,707 words
10 points
How are AR point goals set?
The Accelerated Reader Goal-Setting Chart provides guidelines for the approximate number of AR points children should be able to earn depending on how much time they read and their reading level. Monitoring AR points earned by children and comparing them to the guideline values listed on the AR Goal-Setting Chart enables your child's teacher to determine how well your child is using the time provided for reading practice.
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How will I know if a book has an AR quiz?
Visit the AR BookFinder at arbookfind.com to conduct a search of all available books with AR quizzes.
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How will my child take a quiz?
Students can take AR quizzes at school on the computer or on a mobile device. Quizzing from home is not permitted.
