Library / Accelerated Reader (AR)

Accelerated Reader

Book Lists (11,705 titles)

What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a program used throughout grades 2-5 at DTES. Students read books independently and then take a short comprehension quiz on the computer. The quiz for a specific book may be taken only one time throughout the student’s schooling. The program is powered by Renaissance Learning, with a goal to build lifelong readers and learners!

What Books Should My Student Be Reading for AR?

Students should be reading books that are within their AR range. This range is determined by a Star Reading test and by the teacher. The range will change throughout the year as the student builds literacy skills.

Students can find both fiction and nonfiction AR books so there is always something they will like to be reading!

What are the Benefits for Participating in the AR Program?

The AR program builds literacy skills in young readers. By reading a variety of books, students are exposing themselves to more literature. Also, AR is based on comprehension and students need to read for meaning in order to be successful in the AR program. Overall comprehension of reading materials is tracked for each individual student. Most importantly, this program is based on the individual. Students’ goals are based on the specific needs of each child, not on the class or grade level as a whole. This program can help anyone grow as a reader!

How Does AR Work at DTES?

1. At the beginning of the school year, students in grades 2-5 take the Star Reading test on the computer. This test gives the student their initial placement in the AR program.

2. Students receive an AR range based on the results of this test. In addition, teachers help modify ranges based on the needs of each individual student. The teachers and students work together to determine a point goal for the quarter.

3. Students then select books from the library or classroom library that are in their reading range. Each book is also worth a certain number of points.

4. Students read the books independently. Students work on reading

carefully for meaning and detail.

5. When a student finishes a book s/he logs on to the computer in the classroom or library and takes the comprehension quiz for that book. Quizzes are 5 to 20 questions long.

7. Students will receive a score at the end of their quiz and can check with questions they got incorrect. The more questions they answer correctly, the higher a score they receive.

8. In their weekly library lessons, the librarian lets students who reach

their goal sign the AR Wall of Fame.

9. All students who reach their goal by the end of the quarter are able to “spend” their points in the AR store at the library! If all students in a classroom meet their goal,

they just may receive a visit from the Library Fairy!

10. After having reached their quarterly goal, students can continue taking AR tests

to receive more points and build reading skills!