Here are some answers to frequently asked questions:
What is the Accelerated Reader “AR” Program?
Accelerated Reader is a web-based program used to encourage a love of reading and increase reading comprehension skills among all students. Students read a book and take a short computerized test. They earn points based on how many questions they answer correctly. If students complete certain goals, they can earn small prizes and entrance to our AR party!
How do you get AR points?
After reading an AR book, students take a multiple choice quiz on the computer with questions about what happened in the book. The quiz results give the teacher feedback on the student's progress. Each book has a point value and children receive points when they pass the quiz.
Who is eligible?
All first through fifth grade students are eligible to take Accelerated Reader tests.
What is my child's login information?
Every child's username is the first letter of their first name followed by the first four letters of their last name (with a few exceptions for some siblings). Everyone's password is fao. For example, John Smith's username would be jsmit.
Getting Started:
How do students find an AR book?
In the Media Center, AR books are indicated by an AR label on the spine or on the first page of the book. The spine or a note inside the book also shows the book's reading level and point value. Of course, any copy of the book may be read. Outside of school, students can search for AR books on the Destiny catalog or through AR Bookfinder. Many books are Accelerated Reader books, and even if we don't have it in the Media Center, if it shows up on AR Bookfind, students can still take a quiz on it.
When can students take tests? Can they take them at home?
Students can take tests from 8:00am to 3:00pm in their classroom or at the library. Students are not able to take the quizzes from home. The library is open for students to take AR quizzes from 8:00am-8:30am (Ms. Ammons supervises at this time so parents do not have to come in) and 3:00pm-3:30pm (parent supervision is necessary at this time). In the classrooms, teachers may or may not provide access to the computers for AR.
Do students have to read at their level?
Children should be encouraged to select books in the range of one year above or below their current reading level. The higher books provide a challenge while the lower books provide a sense of mastery. In general, children can successfully read up with fiction while non-fiction should be at read at or below their level.
What if my child wants to read really low (or high) books to accumulate more points?
While we encourage students to enjoy books of all levels, some intervention may be necessary so fifth graders aren't taking tests on books well below their level and first graders aren't trying to read Harry Potter. In between those extremes you should let your child select books that they want to read. Perhaps a rule that for every low level book they need to read one at grade level. The computer can be set to enforce restrictions but we would like to use the honor system.
How can I help my child?
First, encourage them to check out an appropriate AR book and take the quiz at least once a month. Some children are afraid of taking more tests but most understand and like the system after the first couple of books. Second, help them set an AR goal based for the month or quarter. Third, find a quiet time and place for them to read on a daily basis. You can also accompany students after school from 3:00pm-3:30pm to take quizzes.
Can I help my child take a quiz?
Parents can help their student log in to the computer and AR during the before and after school times, but the student must read the questions and the answer choices on their own. We encourage students to try logging in and finding the tests on their own to help give them ownership of their AR goals.
How will my first grade student learn to take AR quizzes?
First graders are new to AR, which can be a challenge. In the first few weeks of ILT, Ms. Ammons will teach them the mechanics (logging in, finding a book, etc.), however it is helpful if they practice outside of ILT in their homerooms or before/after school.
My student saw the movie, can they take the test?
No. Please remind your children that this is a reading comprehension program. Tests should be taken soon after reading the book so they aren't relying on memory or guessing. Students may, however, take a quiz if they listened to the audio book.
Do the teachers require students to take AR quizzes?
Some teachers/grade levels do ask their students to reach certain goals every quarter or to take a quiz on a book they read in class. Please talk to your students' homeroom teacher to discuss these requirements.
Are teachers responsible for making sure students take AR tests?
No. Accelerated Reader is not part of the classroom curriculum; therefore it is not the role of the teachers to make sure that students are taking tests. Students may have time in the classroom to take AR tests, but it is not scheduled in. Parents are encouraged to come with their students before or after school to allow their students time to take tests. While parents cannot read the test or help answer questions for the students, they can help students to log in and find the quiz for the book they read. It might also be helpful if students keep a list of the books they read at home, so that they are ready to take quizzes when there is time.
My child does not have time to take quizzes before or after school. When can they take quizzes?
In this program, we encourage students to take ownership of their AR goals. They may need to take initiative and ask their teacher for some possible times in which they can take quizzes. Some teachers allow time if a student finishes all their work or during Read to Self time. Students can also take quizzes during their weekly Book It. Occasionally, we have time during ILT, or Mrs. Zerkle offers time during Global Literacy.
What is the AR Party?
The AR Party is the goal that students work toward at the end of the year. For the requirements of the party, please check out the goal page of the website.
My child was very upset because he/she failed a quiz. Can she retake it?
Students cannot retake a quiz because at the end of the quiz, they are given the answers to all the questions.
Can you give me an example question?
This question is from the quiz on Where the Wild Things Are (RL 3.4, Points 0.5).
Max wore a _____ suit.
A. tiger B. lion C. wolf D. bear
How many points are books worth?
The points vary based on book level and quantity/quality of words in the book. You can find this information on AR Bookfind or on the spine/first page of the book. In general, picture books and most nonfiction are 0.5 points and everything else varies.