Accelerated Reader

Your child has recently taken the STAR Literacy reading assessment in class. The attached parent report gives a detailed explanation of the results of your childs assessment. Your childs scores indicate that they are ready to begin our Accelerated Reader program. What is AR? AR is an acronym for a reading program called Accelerated Reader. The Oxford School District has purchased this program to encourage students to read. The program is designed to provide library books on a students individual reading level. Students take a computerized assessment called Star Literacy to determine their reading level. These levels are categorized by colored dot stickers on the spine of library books. Not all library books are classified as AR books. About one half of our fiction books are AR books. Once students find a book on their level, they read the book and take a computerized test about the book which is composed of five to ten questions. We encourage the students to read the book at least three times before they take a test. This will help the children develop confidence when answering the questions on the computer. These tests do not count as part of your childs grade. They are used for motivation for reading. When does my child get an AR book? Students get a new AR book each time they take an AR test. This can be as frequent as you feel is appropriate for your child. They may read one book a week or four books a week. This is a completely individualized program and your child will work at an individual rate. These AR books will take the place of their nightly take home readers. Why do AR? The AR program is designed to encourage students to read and reinforce comprehension skills. Each child will progress at an individual rate. AR is designed to supplement the curriculum and provide extra reading practice. Our school data shows a direct link between reading growth and the AR program. What color dot should I look for on my childs books? Your child will begin with ______________. Your child will take the STAR Literacy reading assessment again at the end of the nine weeks and again at the end of the school year to show chart your childs growth. Their color dots may change throughout the year based on growth.