Accelerated Reader is a computer software program designed to assess reading comprehension and reward students for reading success.  After selecting and reading an Accelerated Reader book,  students take an AR quiz on a school computer.  (Each quiz is worth a number of points depending on the difficulty level of the book.  Points are accumulated by answering more than 60% of the questions correctly).  Each six weeks, students receive an AR grade in their English class.

Accelerated Reader (AR) encourages students to read at a level known as their ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) which “suggests the readability-level range from which a student should be selecting books for optimal growth in reading without frustration.”  Each student’s ZPD is determined by the STAR Test which is a standardized test given three times a year.    Students usually begin at the lower level of their ZPD and work their way up their zone.

Students should take the Reading Practice Test within two days after finishing the book.

The student must pass the test with a score of 60% or better on 10-question tests and 70% or better on 20-question tests.  Depending on the number of correctly answered questions, the student will earn a percentage of the total number of points possible.  If the student earns below the total of 60% (10-question tests) or 70% (20-question tests), no points are earned.   The AR program will allow a student to take a test for a book once.  No re-tests are permitted. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Accelerated Reader

1.  How can I find an Accelerated Reader book?

Accelerated Reader books in the library media center are marked with a orange dot on the spine.  You may look for a book by browsing the shelves.    Students who use abridged/condensed versions of the book or movies will not be successful on the computerized AR test.

2.  How many AR points am I required to earn?

Of course, students can read as many books and earn as many points as they like, but they are required to read one book per six weeks.  (Some honors classes require two per six weeks.) 

Based on the length and difficulty of a book, the number of points assigned to a book can be found at the Renaissance Learning website http://www.renlearn.com

 Click on order quizzes from the menu on the left side of the screen.  Just type in the title or author and search. Most young adult novels are worth 7 to 13 points.  However, you will find that books range in point value from 3 points to over 100 points each.  Select books that are of interest to you and appropriate for your reading level.

3.  How are AR points I earn reflected in my final grade?

The English teacher will inform you of the grading scale based on the total points earned.

4.  Will I fail if I do not pass a test?

That is a very real possibility.  When a “0” is averaged in with your other grades, the final average can be very low.  Read conscientiously and this should not be a problem.

5.  What must I do to take an AR test?

Go to the library and ask a librarian for assistance.   

6.  When may I check out AR books or take tests?

Books may be checked out before school, during lunch, after school, and during designated class periods.  The test must be taken on a computer at school in the school library media center. Tests may be taken before school (6:45 a.m. –6:59 a.m.), during lunch time, immediately after school, and during designated class time.

7.  May I take tests on books that I have previously read?

The AR program will not allow you to take a test that you have already taken. Also note that because many of the questions on the tests are detail-oriented, it is recommended that you take a test as soon as possible after finishing a book.

8.  Are there any special rules I need to remember when actually taking the tests?

First, either your English teacher or the library media specialist must monitor your testing.  Do not allow other students to sit near you and talk when you are testing, or you jeopardize the points you may earn.  Before selecting an answer, be sure to read all choices and remember that you do not have the option of going back to change any answers once they are entered.  And last, do no humiliate yourself by trying to take a test on a book that you have not actually read.  Knowing that you must score 60-70% in order to earn any points on a test should prevent you from wasting the monitor’s time and placing yourself in an embarrassing situation.

9. What is the point of reading AR books?

Research obviously indicates that the more we read the more our reading skills improve.  Our writing, vocabulary, and thinking skills also improve.  This success carries over into other classes and into numerous aspects of our lives.  Reading can also be one of the most enjoyable forms of entertainment that we can embrace for the rest of our lives.