Accelerated Reader is a software program designed to improve reading comprehension and help students become better readers. Our school purchases tests for books that we have available in our library. Currently we have around 1200 books with corresponding tests. All of the Accelerated Reader (AR) books have a colored dot on the book spine. We will continue to purchase more tests so that students have a variety of books to choose from as they continue the program.

Once a student has completed the Star Reading Assessment, a Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is determined. This is basically a range of book levels that the student will read within. For example, a student's ZPD might be 1.6-2.6. This means that this student is reading books that a 1st grader at the six-month mark at school might typically be able to read all the way to 2nd grade at the six-month mark. The top number (here 2.6) is the top of the range. In order for a student to continue to develop as a reader and improve reading comprehension, the student is encouraged to stay within their designated ZPD.

Students come to the Library with a  card that shows their ZPD and the particular colored dots that they should look for. AR books at the Library also have a label inside the book giving the specific book level, quiz number, author and title. Our students are doing all AR reading at school during a quiet reading period. Reading AR books at school allows the teacher to check on progress, be aware of problems, and eliminates the situation of a student leaving the book at home. When a student finishes their AR book, they  access our school's hosted site from Renaissance Learning and  take a short quiz on the book they have read. Our goal for all students is a score of 85% or better on the quiz. Students will still pass the quiz with a score of 60, but the most growth in reading skills and comprehension has been associated with scores of 85% and above.

Most of our students are excited about the program, and we anticipate that they will make significant growth as readers this year. Grades 1-5 are participating in the program, and it is not a component of any requirement for a grade.

After participating in the program since last year, we have been pleased by the excitement and interest shown by students for the Accelerated Reader program. Keep up the encouragement and positive reinforcement at home!