Baton RougeMagnetHigh School 9th and 10th grade English teachers are using the web-based Accelerated Reader Program. This program gives students access to over 120,000 quizzes, as well as any new ones as they are created. Any book title that is in the AR quiz database qualifies as an AR book.This includes books from our library, a public library, and home library as well as books borrowed from friends and relatives. You can visit AR BookFinder at http://arbookfind.com to conduct a search of all available books with AR quizzes. You can access your child's AR information in Renaissance Place Home Connect from any web-enabled computer. You must first gain access to the program from the school. Once in the program, you can view your child's progress toward goals, points, and books read.
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a computer software program designed to assess reading comprehension and reward students for reading success.Students select and read an Accelerated Reader book.Students take an Accelerated Reader 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).Students are rewarded for accumulation of Accelerated Reader Points.
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 twice a year.Students usually begin at the lower level of their ZPD and work their way up their zone.
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 green dot on the spine.You may look for a book by browsing the shelves.You may use public library books and your own books. Do not get an abridged or a condensed version of the book.
2. What must I do to take an AR test?
Keep a Student Reading Log. Show librarian your Reading Log for approval to take the test. Make sure you have your teacher's initials and signature on the log.
3. 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 (6:30 a.m. –7:00 a.m.), during lunch time, after school, and during designated class time.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. May I take short cuts such as relying on Cliff Notes, a friend, or a movie?
No.If a teacher is aware that you did not actually read the book, he/she has the prerogative of revoking any points that you have earned on a given test.Your integrity is at stake, and that is more important than any grade you may receive.
Some titles on the AR list are also movies.Those tests will not ask any questions that can be answered by only watching the movie.Movies and books are usually quite different.Movies generally leave out details which are important in books.Students struggle to pass tests if they have only seen the movie and not read the book.Once a student has attempted the test, he cannot retake it when the book is read.
7. 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.
8.Will Accelerated Reader increase a student’s scores on standardized reading tests?
Used as intended- as a stimulus for students to read widely and well, gradually
increasing both the difficulty and comprehension of the materials read-
Accelerated Reader will certainly increase reading scores.
