FAQs

AR is a reading program that helps students grow as independent readers. Students read books at their level, take short quizzes, and earn points. It’s a fun way to build reading skills and track progress over time.

Why should my child participate?
Studies show that the best way to increase reading ability, fluency, and comprehension is by practicing the act of reading itself. Improvement is most noticeable when practice is within the child's reading level zone.

What is my child's "reading zone"?
The "Zone of Proximal Development" (ZPD) refers to the ideal reading level range within which your child should select books. It provides just the right balance of challenge and ease of reading independence.

How is my child's reading level determined?
Your child will take the Standard Test of Achievement in Reading (STAR), which determines a grade level equivalent. For example, a level of 2.6 means that on this test, your child read and answered questions at the level of an average student in the sixth month of second grade.

How can I determine if a book falls within my child's Reading Zone?
Most of the books from our school library are marked with the reading level and point value on the book spine. You may also visit the AR Bookfind site to search for any book level online, click here to search for AR titles. By searching the offerings of AR Book Find, you will be able to check the reading level of many books you may have in your home.

How does the point system work?
Points are assigned to each AR book based on its length and level of difficulty. Students earn points based on their percentage correct on each quiz. Some teachers may assign point goals for their students, however, most teachers focus on passing at 80% or above.

Why would my child fail an AR quiz?
Perhaps s/he read the book too quickly, or was not concentrating while reading. Maybe the book was near the high end of his/her reading zone. If the book was a lengthy one, and s/he took a long time to finish the reading, details of the book may have been forgotten. You can help by encouraging your child to try another book.

I know my child can read more difficult books than this. Can s/he take quizzes on books above her zone?
AR quizzes are designed to test students on details found in the book. When a student is reading a book with a level that is above his or her ability level, s/he may be concentrating more on decoding harder words and sentences, and may lose the underlying meaning of the text. Of course, motivation does play a part in comprehension, so students may take quizzes on books that are above their reading zone.

What can I do to help with Accelerated Reader?
Encourage reading at home each night!