What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a computerized reading program designed to motivate, manage and monitor student literature-based reading. The Accelerated Reader "AR" program combines the best children's literature with software that allows teachers to evaluate their students' reading comprehension. The program focuses on each student reading books that match up with their interest and ability....books that will allow reading growth, without discouragement. The software also manages students' records and follows student performance.
AR is a classroom reading program, not reading contest or competition. The focus at the Elementary Level is not on earning points, but on meeting individualized goals set by the classroom teacher based on 30 mins of reading a day, in the classroom, and at home. The reading goals are adjustable, and are used to encourage students to become active readers.
The main purpose of AR at Dallas Elementary and Wycallis Elementary is to target the best books for our students to read (books that challenge, but do not frustrate) during times set aside in the school day. The goal is to have students reading books that match their interest level and reading ability, the quizzes taken are not "tests" but a way for teachers to assess student comprehension of material, and adapt reading goals as needed.
How does AR Work?
1. Select a Book - Students make their own choice of an available AR book.
2. Read the Book - students read the book at their own pace in the classroom at scheduled free reading times, as well as at home.
3. Take the Quiz - students take a 5 -10 multiple choice quiz on a school computer.
The AR Program that we have purchased is internet based and allows us to have access to every quiz that is created for Accelerated Reader. Many of the books in our Libraries are AR and are color-coded by their AR level, but students can also use books from their classrooms, the public library, or books they may have at home, as long as they fall somewhere within the student's general reading range.
How do I know if a Book is in my child's reading range?
You may choose to search for AR books using our Quizlist Site. This site allows students to create specific lists of books that fall into their reading range that can be searched by keywords or interests. This site is also useful to check a level of a book from home, or the public library.
***Please Note, to search for books from our Library you must choose the RESTRICTED SEARCH option at the very top.
For Dallas:
For Wycallis:
(These links can also be found on the Resources page of the Dallas School District Website, under Student Resources)
What can parents do to help?
Students are expected to have their AR book on them during the school day. If your child is also reading at home, you can help by setting aside free reading time during the week, and by asking students to reflect on what they have been reading.
You may also choose to help students find books that match their reading range by using Quizlist and using the Public Library, or books from home. Please remind your child to bring their AR book to school daily. Students will have time during school to take AR quizzes, it is not a parent's responsibility to administer the quiz.