What is Accelerated Reader?

A computerized reading management program that motivates students to read while increasing student reading ability. It is a commercial product purchased from Advantage Learning Systems in Wisconsin that is now used in over 17,000 schools throughout the United States.

How does it work?

1. Select a book (from the titles on the AR book list). Read the book.
2. Take a test on the computer to check comprehension. Tests are multiple choice featuring 5 or 10 questions. The computer shows the student how many questions they answered correctly, indicates the answers they missed, and awards reading points.

Where can I find an Accelerated Reader list?

Click here to choose a book by title.
Click here to choose a book by grade.
Click here to view a printable PDF version of all books sorted by title.

How do I choose a book?

Don't pick a book based solely on its point value! Pick a book that is interesting to you, is at an appropriate reading level, and can be read within a couple of weeks.

How often should I be reading?

You should be reading at least 30 minutes a day. Most days you will have 15 minutes in centers to read. If you read slowly, you need to plan on reading at least 25 minutes daily at home in addition to the time you have in school!. Your reading speed will increase with practice!!

When and where can I take a test?

You take tests in any classroom. Once you start a test you can't stop. You will need at least a 5 minute window of time to take a test. See your teacher during center time or before school. If you wait until the last week of the six weeks, you'll have to wait in a long line.

Why isn't it good if I'm getting 100% on every test?

If you are getting 100% every time you take a test you are reading books that are too easy. AR can dramatically improve your reading only if you read books that are challenging. If you are getting 100% most of the time, you should move up a half or whole grade level. You are at the right level when you average around 85-92% on the tests.

So what are the rewards for all this reading?

Each grading period, the students who meet their grade's goal for points gets to participate in a special activity. Last quarter the students who reached their goal, received coupons for free french fries and chocolate chip cookies. In second grade, the students must earn at least 8 points each quarter.