At the request of parents, we composed the following informational letter about the Accelerated Reader program.  The information is lengthy, but the program is somewhat involved and we wanted to explain all aspects of it so it makes sense in its entirety.

Beginning in the first grade, students in our school use the Accelerated Reader, or AR, program as part of language arts instruction.  The AR program is a reading program that tests students’ comprehension and reading level through the use of leveled books and computer-based testing.

Three to four times a year, students in grades 1 – 5 take the Star Reading test, a computerized assessment that pinpoints each student’ s individual reading level.  The Star Reading test prints off information in the form of a decimal score for each child, with the whole number representing the grade level at which that student is reading and the fractional portion representing the month of the school year that child is at for that grade level.  For example, a score of 2.4 on the Star test would indicate that student is reading at a second grade level (2) during the fourth month (.4) of the year.

Using that information, each child is then assigned a range of AR books that would be appropriate for both their skill and maturity levels called their ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development).  Essentially, the ZPD ensures that the child will be reading books that will challenge and further their reading skills without being too difficult or frustrating.  “AR Books” are nothing more than typical trade books you would find in your home; books varying from The Velveteen Rabbit to The Little House on the Prairie to Harry Potter to Dr. Seuss titles are only a few of the many popular books that West Elementary has the tests for; in fact, West Elementary has an ever-growing, very large collection of AR books in both our school and individual classroom libraries.  Each AR book is given a rating that is identical to the levels given on the Star test.  For example, the book Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss is a 1.5, meaning it would be most appropriate for a child reading at a mid-first grade

Armed with a child’s Star Reading score and ZPD, teachers use program guidelines and create a reading goal for each student every marking period.  After a child reads an AR book, they take a basic multiple-choice comprehension test on the computer about that book; the number of questions on the test is either 5 or 10 based on the difficulty of the book.  The students are awarded points based on their score and most AR books that the students will be reading are worth .5 points.  Each student is given a point total that they must reach by the end of the marking period, and that total is calculated based on their ZPD and Star test score.

While this may make the program sound very confusing, it is a wonderful program that has done wonders with the reading levels of West Elementary students.  It is a very independent program that considers the individual reading needs of each child while still giving students the autonomy to read books they enjoy.  They take a sense of pride, ownership, and responsibility with this program, and they read volumes of books. The single most important factor that creates strong readers is how much and how often a child reads; the more a child reads, the better they will be at it.  This program encourages the children to read, read, read.  Furthermore, it produces outstanding readers while teaching students how enjoyable reading can be when they can select their own books and know they will be successful at reading them. Generally, students begin the AR program based on grade level and ability.  Second graders start off immediately in September; first graders start based on their progress as readers.  Each marking period when the students take the Star test, a report about their score is generated including their AR level, ZPD, and ranking among other students in their grade level using the program.  We like to include a copy of the report with report cards so you will know how your child scored that marking period.

As always, if you are concerned or confused about the program and/or how it is used in the first and second grades, feel free to contact your child’s teacher.  Your continued support is always appreciated!