What is the Accelerated Reader program?

Accelerated Reader is a great program that encourages children to read by earning points for the books they read. It evaluates reading comprehension by asking very specific questions that force them to pay attention to details. Therefore, it is also a great tool for the parents to target appropriate reading level books and encourage further reading and diversity of choice, eventually leading the children to become more interested in increasingly challenging books and discovering the great classics of literature.

How does it work?

Each book in the accelerated reader program scores a certain number of points. Younger readers have a choice of either picture books or beginner chapter books valued from 0.5 to 1 point. They have to answer 5 to 10 questions depending on the book. The questions are multiple choice. In order to earn points and pass the quiz, your child must answer at least 60% of the questions correctly.

Let’s say your child takes a quiz on a book worth a whole point but gets only 9 answers correct, your child will score 0.90 points. Each quiz helps him/her accumulate points.

Prizes

At the end of each month, Miss Cantillon identifies the winners (1^st and 2^nd places) in each grade-level of the following categories:

K

1-2

3-4

5-6

7-8

The top reader in the school earns additional incentives.

The children with the most points that month are awarded gift certificates, sponsored by Warwick’s and Azul. There is also a school-wide raffle that all students who have met their personal reading goals are eligible to participate in. In addition to the school awards, classroom teachers use other incentives for students who have met and exceeded their personal reading goals.

Teachers will be sending home T.O.P.S. reports periodically for you to review your child’s progress. Each child is required to earn a certain number of points per month. Goals vary depending on the child’s grade and reading level.

How does my child take the quiz?

Your child has to take the quiz by logging-in on the computer at school only (library, computer lab and all classrooms).

The login code is child’s first name (whole) and first letter of last name, in one word.

Example:

Login: maryk

Password: Kiely

***Some children might have to add letters to their last names in case there are several Mary Ks in the school. Check with your child, he/she should know his login and password by now.

Next, the student needs to select the book he/she has read by typing the title or a few words of the title. The computer finds the appropriate book and then asks the child if the book was read to the child, read with the child (the child reading with someone to help) or read independently. The answer does not matter for the scoring. It is only meant for the teacher to get the data and help the child progress. Therefore, it is encouraged to read books to and/or with your children since you can help them comprehend the book on a deeper level. There is no limit on how many quizzes your child can take per month.

Books on tape are OK; they go on the “read to” category.

When can he/she take the quiz?

Any day at school from Monday to Friday (including recess, computer class and library class)

Quizzes can also be taken in the school library before or after school time:

Tuesday through Thursday 7:45-8:15 // 3:10-3:45

Friday 7:45-8:15.

Where can I find the titles available?

http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp?c=MP+42%3A74%3A6+6002%2F61%2F8

Your child should read books that are at, slightly above or slightly below his/her reading level. Ask your child’s teacher or Mrs. Zipp if you would like more specific recommendations.