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Accelerated Reader

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer based, reading management and motivational system designed to complement existing classroom literacy programs for grades K-12.  AR’s goal is to motivate students to read using an individualized goal/point system.  Student’s individual goals are based on their reading grade equivalent (GE) score from a standardized test, such as STAR Reading, coupled with the amount of time the student is able to devote to reading.  AR translates GE scores into a zone of proximal development (ZPD) range that is used to determine the level of books from which the student can select.

Students choose books or short stories to read from the school’s collection of books for which there are AR tests. AR provides extensive lists with tens of thousands of book titles and their corresponding grade levels and point values.  Books are assigned a point value based on the number of words contained and its reading difficulty, as derived from a formula.  AR software provides comprehension tests featuring five to twenty multiple-choice questions. The technology presents test scores, points earned, and keeps records in order to help teachers and parents manage and track a student’s attempt to reach his or her goal. The test gives immediate feedback in terms of the number of points earned based on the point value assigned the book and the number of correct answers on the test. For example, for a book worth 10 AR points, the student would receive 10 points for a score of 100 percent, 9 points for 90 percent, and so on.  However, the student must score at least 60 percent to earn any points.  The program automatically generates several types of reports: individual student, class, grade level, and school reports. Included in the individual student report is information concerning the quantity and GE level of the books read, testing dates, scores and total number of points earned. Another teacher generated report is the “at risk report” which identifies students who are at risk of not reaching their individual goals.  Students may be identified at risk for not taking quizzes or not achieving their goal in terms of percentages or points earned.