Accelerated Reader
The Accelerated Reader (AR) program at Wyman Elementary School continues to help all students. All the students take a S.T.A.R. reading test that is used to determine the reading level of each student. Students choose their own books that fall within their determined level and read them at their own pace. Students then take a short quiz on the computer working toward an quarterly goal set by using a formula based on the reader's level.
AR Links
Find an AR book at AR Bookfind! Use keycode ZG400513 to see the books in the Wyman library!
Check your student's AR Progress on the Renaissance Home Connect.
How Does the AR Program Work?
- Select a book from the library Based on his/her individual interests and reading levels, your child chooses a book from thousands of Accelerated Reader titles.
- Read the book Your child reads the book at his/her own pace.
- Take and AR test After reading an AR book your child takes a computerized test. Tests consist of multiple choice comprehension questions from the book. The computer immediately scores the test, shows the number of correctly answered questions, and updates your child’s record. Points are then awarded based on how well the student did. As the students earn points they get closer to reaching their AR goal that is set for each quarter. Students who reach 100% of their AR goal with at least 80% correct each quarter will receive the following:
- 1st Quarter: Movie and Popcorn
- 2nd Quarter: Free recess
- 3rd Quarter: Movie and Popcorn
- 4th Quarter: Free recess
- For students who reach 100% of their goal for all four quarters, there will be a special activity at the end of the year. (Students need to maintain at least 80% accuracy even after reaching 100% of their AR goal.)
STAR Testing
The STAR Test is designed to help find the reading level that students will most likely be successful at. Students start by taking the STAR test on the computer. Depending on student responses, the test will adjust itself to find the good reading level. After the test, the program will suggest a reading level or range for the student. The test will be given at least once a quarter to track student progress over the year. To the right is a sample question that might be seen on the test. In this example, the student has selected older to complete the sentence.
How Can I Help My Child with AR?
- Be encouraging to your child.
- Continue to read to and with your child. This reading time does not have to be just AR books.
- Ask your child questions about what he or she is reading.
AR Guidelines
- Thirty minutes of AR reading is given in each classroom every day. Goals are based off of this 30 minutes of reading.
- Goals are based off of the STAR test and according to each child’s reading ability. Goals are set for each quarter.
- Students need to maintain at least 80% accuracy even after reaching 100% of their goal for each quarter. Only students who maintain at least 80% correct will get to participate in the quarterly incentives.
- Students may take no more than 2 tests each day. Any additional test taken that day will be deleted. If a student uses his/her time wisely in the classroom reaching their goal even with this limit will not be a problem.
- If your child takes his/her AR books home please make sure that they are returned to school the next day. We always remind students to put their library books in their backpack when they are not reading them. If the students will do this then their books will be at school when they need them.
- Every parent needs to sign and return the AR parent letter.
Questions About AR
If you have questions or concerns about AR please talk with your child’s teacher first. If you still have questions or concerns please contact the library staff at Wyman. We are always here to help.