Shadowbriar's AR Book List by:    Author    Title    Book Level

 

 

What is Accelerated Reader?

The Accelerated Reader Program (AR) is a learning information system that enables freestanding computer-assisted assessment of student comprehension of "real" books (novels). It is an assessment tool that provides a summary and analysis of results to enable teachers to monitor both the quantity and quality of reading practice engaged in by their students.

How does it work?

Students are given the STAR diagnostic test at the beginning of the school year to determine a starting "zone." Students then select novels in their "zone" from the Shadowbriar AR list. After reading the novel at their own pace, the student goes to the computer and takes a multiple-choice comprehension test on the book's content. Tests may have 5, 10, or 20 items, depending on the length and difficulty of the book. The computer scores the test, awards the student points based on the results, and keeps a complete record.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a STAR test and an AR test?
The STAR test is a computerized vocabulary test. This test helps teachers determine the students' reading "zone."

AR tests are short quizzes that students take after reading AR books.

What is the difference between an AR book and a "regular" book?
AR books are "regular" books. They become AR books when Shadowbriar has purchased an AR test for that particular book. AR tests are sold on disks with a set of approximately 50 tests per disk. Shadowbriar has purchased tests for over 6000 books!

How can I find out if a particular book is an AR book?
Shadowbriar's AR list can be found in all Language Arts classrooms, in the Shadowbriar Library, and at selected branches of the Houston Public Library. A copy will also be posted on the AR website at www.shadowbriar.org. Because of its length, we are unable to print copies of the list for students. In the Shadowbriar Library, AR books are labeled with a red dot on the spine.

How much time in school will my child be given to read AR books?
Each week, every Shadowbriar Language Arts teacher will provide at least 75 minutes of Sustained Silent Reading time during your child's Language Arts block.

Can my child read any AR book on the list?
No. Students may only choose books in their "zone."

How many points does my child need to earn per grading period?
This depends on your child's "zone." Please check with your child's teacher for point requirements.

How are the books assigned points?
Each book is assigned a point value based on the number of words it contains and its reading difficulty, as derived from a formula based on the well-known Flesch-Kincaid readability index that considers the number of syllables in words and sentence complexity. Point values are calculated thus:

AR points = (10 + reading level) x (words in book ÷ 100,000)

For a book valued at 10 AR points, such as Anna Sewell's Black Beauty, a student would receive 10 points for a score of 100 percent, 9 points for 90 percent, and so on. However, the student must score at least 60 percent on the test to earn any points at all.

Can my child retake a test she has failed?
In most cases, students will not be allowed to retake a test they have previously failed. If a student does not pass a test, it is probably because he or she has not read the book or the book was too difficult in the first place. In neither case does it make sense for the student to retake the test, since doing so can lead to a better score attained simply as a result of feedback from the first test. Further, the regular retaking of tests may lead to cheating or promote guessing (conscious or otherwise).

Where can my child find the actual books to read?
The Shadowbriar Library has a majority of the AR books available for check out. However, a student may also find these titles at many public libraries, bookstores, or in your own private collection.

Can my child take these quizzes from our home computer?
AR is installed on the school computer network and keeps a record of each student's scores and quizzes taken. For security and logistical reasons, all testing must be done on one of the networked computers at school.

Why isn't it good if my child is earning 100% on every test?
If your child is getting 100% every time he or she takes a test then he or she is reading books that are too easy. The teacher will adjust your child's "zone" if he/she is not scoring within the optimal range.

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS REGARDING THE USE OF ACCELERATED READER AT SHADOWBRIAR SCHOOL, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER.

 Shadowbriar's AR Booklist

 

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This page last updated on October 14, 2002. URL=www.shadowbriar.org/AA.html