Many children enjoy working on computers. Many children enjoy reading. The Accelerated Reader (AR) program combines these two important curriculum components into one reading program. The Accelerated Reader is a computer software program that promotes reading in schools. This program is a three-step process in which students: 1) check out specially marked books from the school library, 2) read the books, and 3) take a short comprehension test on the contents of the book via a computer.
We have chosen the Accelerated Reader for our students to help each one improve his or her reading skills. This goal can best be accomplished if students choose books within their target reading level, usually designated by their teacher. The AR books are labeled with the number of points and reading level to help students choose the correct books. Students are encouraged to use the "five-finger" test to further determine if the book is within their reading range. The students extend a finger for each word they don't know on a page. If they reach five fingers before they come to the bottom of the page, the book may be too difficult to read comfortably.
The desired range of test scores for the AR books is 85-92% correct. Students who score below this level need to choose easier books until they strengthen their reading skills. However, if they consistently score 100% on their AR tests, they need to choose books from the next reading level to encourage and challenge their reading growth and abilities.
As students pass the AR tests on their books, they earn points. These points are used to "purchase" items in our AR store. The students are able to "spend" their points at the end of each report card period. The more tests they pass after reading AR books, the more points they earn to spend in our store.
The program's goal is to motivate students
to read more quality books and, in turn, become better readers. This program
has made many students feel successful and has improved their reading abilities.
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Date of last edit:
01/24/2007
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