Accelerated Reader
Grant Elementary School
Accelerated Reader/Independent Reading
Goals and Expectations
Background:
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. A student picks a book at his/her own grade level and reads it at his/her own pace. When finished, the student takes a short quiz on the computer. Children using AR choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them. Teachers and librarians or Teacher Assistants help children choose books at an appropriate reading level that are challenging without being frustrating. Since a student is reading books at his/her reading and interest level, he or she is more likely to be successful. This is satisfying for most children and moreover, it is much easier to teach any child who enjoys reading and is also reading at grade level.
In-Class Reading Expectation for Students as Per Daily Schedule:
Kindergarten – 20 minutes; 1st Grade - 24 minutes; 2nd Grade- 30 minutes; 3rd Grade – 30 minutes; 4th Grade - 30 minutes; 5th Grade - 30 minutes; and 6th Grade – 30 minutes
Reading at Home:
Students are encouraged to read at home for the same amount of time recommended above for each grade level. AR/Independent reading at home means that our students should be reading at their recreational (ZPD) levels.
AR Quiz Expectations during the First Semester:
Kindergarten: Reading goals should be set by individual teachers depending on students’ abilities.
First graders are expected to read and pass one AR quiz at 80% or higher on a weekly basis.
Second graders are expected to read and pass one AR quiz at 85% or higher on a weekly basis.
Third graders are expected to read and pass two AR quiz at 85% or higher on a weekly basis
Fourth graders are expected to read and pass two AR quiz at 85% or higher on a weekly basis.
Fifth graders are expected to read and pass two AR quizzes at 85% or higher on a weekly basis.
Sixth graders are expected to read and pass two AR quizzes at 85% or higher on a weekly basis.
Note: AR Quizzes should be taken without looking at the book. Open book testing is not allowed.
The above goals are minimum requirements to earn a place on the Grant Super Reader Board. Each student is expected to challenge himself/herself to read more and take as many quizzes as they wish. Students who earn the minimum amount of points expected of their grade level group will be given a “fish” and their names will be published on the Grant Super Reader Board. Grant Super Readers will be invited to a special celebration at the end of the semester. Teachers are expected to monitor and track the reading of their students to ensure that each student’s effort counts.
Click on the link below to access the Accelerated Reader webpage: