Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer base program that allows students to quiz on a book after they have read it.  Its purpose is to provide the student, parents and teacher with immediate information on how well a student understands what they are reading.  Comprehension is the key to all reading.  It is critical and necessary to understand all genres that we read.  AR is available to all students at McAuliffe.  Each classroom teacher may choose how they tend to utilize the program in the school year.  Many components are available for the teacher and students use. Some teachers may set goals that could include points, percentage correct and book level goals.  Certificates showing levels of achievement are available through this program.

Currently our school has over 7200 quiz titles available for testing.  Our school website lists those titles for convenience.  In order for a student to quiz on a book through the AR program we must have the quiz title available on our server.

Basic steps for AR:

1.      Student selects a book in their reading range from the title list.  Each book has a point value based on the level of reading. Students, with the help of their teacher, know their reading range (usually through the STAR program).

2.      Student reads the book.

3.      The student independently takes a quick (usually 5,10 or 15 questions) test on the computer.  As soon as all questions have been answered the computer gives immediate results to the student/parent and teacher through the TOPS report.

4.      The student is ready to select their next book title and start again.

The computer accumulates and keeps all gathered information available for the teacher throughout the school year.

STARS

1.  STARS provides the teacher with an accurate norm-referenced reading scores for grades 1-12 in less than 10 minutes.  Tests can be repeated later in the year to see growth.

2. Use the STARS diagnostics test to assist in the appropriate reading level for the student in the AR program.