Accelerated Reader
We have adopted the Accelerated Reader programme as part of our English policy at Conna National School. The only way to become really good at understanding what we read is through practice. Reading is a skill; the only way to get better at reading is to … READ!
What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a programme used to motivate students to increase their reading & vocabulary comprehension and guide them to independent reading. AR is a popular reading programme used in thousands of schools. There is a proven link between strong reading skills and academic success – great readers make great learners! This compliments our goal of having each child reading independently for at least 20-30 minutes per day between school and home.
How does AR work?
1. Each child is tested using the STAR Reading Assessment. Star Assessments are computer based reading assessments. The questions continually adjust to your child’s responses, making the difficulty easier or harder where appropriate. This Assessment will give a reading age and generate a Zone of Proximal Development level (ZPD) Level for each child. This information will be in the letters you will receive.
2. Students will choose an Accelerated Reader book based on their interest and reading level (ZPD) – this level will be put in their diaries. The ZPD tells us the best level books to challenge and support each child.
3. When they have finished reading the book, they take the AR quiz on the website to assess their comprehension. This will be done in school during silent reading time or DEAR time.
4. The child earns points (based on how many words they have read) for showing an understanding of the text. They earn full points by answering all test questions correctly. (Children who average at least an 85% on quizzes are considered to understand what they read at an average level.)
