What is Accelerated Reader and how does it all work? 

The AR program is designed to encourage young children to read more frequently and to establish lifelong patterns of daily reading.

First, all students take a preliminary quiz in a program called Star Reading, which tests their reading comprehension. They are then scored in what is called a zone of proximal development (ZPD), which determines what books they should read. For each zone, there are numerous book choices.  Teachers encourage students to select books that fall within their zone so students are not discouraged or frustrated.

After reading an Accelerated Reader book, the student obtains permission from their teacher to take the quiz in the Accelerated Reader program via computer. The quizzes are multiple choice with 5, 10, and 20 questions depending on the book's difficulty and length. The questions ask literal comprehension questions. Students must correctly answer a set number of questions and they are given a percentage of points associated with the book depending on their achievement on the quiz. The point system is tracked by the media specialist and the prizes and incentives your child may receive are all in place.   To be eligible for school incentives, students must maintain an 80% average for all quizzes taken.

Accelerated Reader reports are generated on demand and help students, teachers, and parents monitor student progress. More than 30 reports are available regarding student reading, comprehension, amount of reading, diagnostic information, and other variables.

The TOPS Report (The Opportunity to Praise Students) reports quiz results after each quiz is taken. This allows students to immediately review specific concepts with which they had difficulty, and to alert teachers to anyone having difficulty. Teachers and parents can request for TOPS reports on specific students.  Diagnostic Reports identify students in need of intervention based on various factors. The Student Record Report is a complete record of the books the student has read, including quiz scores.

Does my child have to participate in AR?  Participating in AR at Satilla Marsh Elementary is highly encouraged, but not a requirement.  It is an excellent tool for the teacher and media specialist to help your child.

How do I know which books are AR at SME?  How do I find out the points and reading level?  All AR books are labeled.  SME's complete AR list is accessible from the link below It is arranged by Reading Level.  A printed list is also available in the Media Center and the downtown Brunswick Public Library.

AR Quizlist