Accelerated Reader Program
What is the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program?
AR is a computer program by Renaissance Learning that tests reading comprehension. It helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at his/her own reading level and reads it independently at his/her own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer in the classroom, computer lab or library (AR tests cannot be taken at home). (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) Each book is worth a certain number of points based on its length and reading level. AR gives both children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set targets and direct ongoing reading practice. The program tracks students' progress over the course of the school year.
Children using AR choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they 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 a quiz, the teacher may help.
Ask your students' teacher if he/she uses the AR Program and if so, how it is administered in his/her class.
How do I know if a book has an AR quiz?
Visit the AR BookFinderâ„¢ at arbookfind.com to conduct a search of all available books with AR quizzes. You can also see each book's Reading Level and Point Value.
When a book has a very common title or many different versions, using the "Advanced Search" tab will allow you to find the test corresponding to your exact book. For example, you can search using both title and author to find a book with a very common title (e.g. "Sharks"). You can also search by entering the ISBN number located on the barcode on the back cover or on the title page of the book. Different versions of the same story can have very different reading levels - e.g. the unabridged version vs. a junior classic version.
NOTE: Not all books have AR quizzes. Not all versions of a story have AR quizzes (e.g. a Disney version of a classic story). Also, it takes a while before a quiz is produced for a newly published book. So if a book is the latest in a series of books that all have AR quizzes, it may not have a test available right away.