AR Book Finder
Accelerated Reader Program
http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_advanced.asp
As a language arts department at Orono Middle School, we use the Accelerated Reader program in our classrooms. Accelerated Reader, or AR as we call it, is a computerized program used to track and manage students’ independent reading. This program is a multi-level approach that can challenge readers at all levels and provide accountability for individualized reading.
How it works - Students have access to a list of more than one hundred thousand books. The list includes the title, author, suggested reading level, interest level, and points assigned for each book. Students select a book of interest. Upon completion of the reading, students then take a computerized comprehension test where, if they answer all questions correctly, they score a 100 and earn the designated number of points for that book. Students may earn a portion of the book points by answering the majority of questions correctly. However, too many incorrect answers results in no points earned. Upon completion of the tests, the computer program records the results and provides individualized feedback for both the student and the teacher. Students may not retake tests that they have already taken as the program stores a record of past data; this encourages students to continue reading new books. Students are expected to set a goal for themselves each quarter, read for a set number of points every marking period, and earn a high percentage correct on the tests they complete. Some students choose to read a few books each quarter that are challenging and worth a high number of points while others read several books worth fewer points. This program is designed to stretch each student’s reading ability.
The AR titles are available online for students and parents to search. All 7th and 8th grade students have the AR Book Finder bookmarked on their MLTI laptops. Language arts classrooms have many of the AR books available for students to sign out and read, but students are strongly encouraged to check out books from the local libraries.
The AR list is diverse and contains numerous award winning titles at various levels. While we provide this list and these tests for students, we do not serve as censors of their reading. We rejoice in the freedom that students have in choosing their independent reading texts. Since our students are diverse learners, we hope they are independently reading a variety of texts that will interest and challenge them. We encourage the freedom of choice and we also encourage parents/guardians to talk with their middle schooler about the content of his/her independent reading.
We expect our students to read both at school and at home. We provide silent reading time two days a week during our advisory periods and plan class time for students to read independently, as well as in groups, and as a whole class. We expect our students to read at least a half hour each night at home and encourage parents to monitor and support their reading. Research suggests that students become better readers by reading more.
If you have any questions about the Accelerated Reader program, please contact us at school. We thank you for your support at home.