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What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader is a computer software program designed to assess reading comprehension and reward students for reading success. The Accelerated Reader program is designed to encourage students to read independently. Studies have shown that students who read do better in school, score higher on their SATs, have a larger vocabulary, and are better writers. All students at Everts Middle School are involved in this program. Everts students are encouraged to develop a love and enthusiasm for both academic and recreational reading!

To learn and research more about this program, visit the Renaissance Learning Company's Accelerated Reader web site.

Find the perfect book, just right for you!

Now you can search for AR books by using our Quiz List Search Engine.

(Click on the icon below.)

You can search Subject, Series, Genre, Book Level, Points, Fiction/ Nonfiction, and Interest Levels. See library information for each book, including summary, subjects, genre, call number and series.  Print custom lists. Save book lists from different searches to print later. Choose books from popular booklists.

FAQs

1. When and where can I take the test?
   You take the test on-line at the computer in your reading classroom or in the media center. You need a 10-15 minute window of time to take the test. Your teacher will assign you computer time based on when you finish the book. You cannot take an AR test in another classroom.

2. How long are the AR tests?
   Most tests are 10 multiple choice questions, and you need to answer at least seven questions correctly to get any credit.  Once you choose an answer to a question, enter it into the computer, and push <<return>>, you can’t change your answer. Also, you can’t skip a question and come back to it later; you must answer the questions in order.

3. Do I automatically earn the maximum points a book is worth?
   No, you only earn points for the questions you answered correctly. For example, if you correctly answer 70% of the questions for a book worth 20 points, you would earn 14 points.

4. How many AR points do I need for a reading grade?
   Reading teachers will consult with students to establish goals for performance.
   Each book’s value is determined by its word count and reading level.  For more information about how your reading grade is determined, see your reading teacher.

5. Where can I find a list  Accelerated Reader quizzes?
   Renaissance Learning has over 100,000 quizzes. You can search book titles by going to their website. http://www.renlearn.com/store/

6. How do I choose a book?
   Don’t pick a book based on its point value. Pick a book on the list that is interesting to you AND is at an appropriate reading level AND can be read by you in a couple of weeks. A good way to check is to turn to a full page of writing in the middle of the book and do the five-finger test:
   Read aloud to someone else who reads well. Every time you mispronounce, misread (say the wrong word), or don’t know the meaning of a word, put up a finger. If there are five fingers up when you finish the page, don’t pick that book. If there are four fingers up, it’s questionable as to whether the book is easy enough for you to understand.
   You only get one chance at a test.

7. Can I read any book on the AR list?
   No! You will need to read in your reading zone. This is determined to begin with by your reading level test score.  You will be given the test in the first couple of weeks of school. As your reading comprehension improves, we will raise your reading zone. That also means if you read at a high reading level you will need to get permission to read below your reading zone. See your reading teacher for more information.

8. Why isn’t it good if I’m getting 100% on every test?
   If you are scoring 100% every time you take a test, you are reading books that are too easy. AR can help to improve your reading only if you read books that are somewhat challenging. If you are getting 100% a lot, you should move up a half or whole grade level. Find out at which grade level you are getting 100%, then look on the AR list marked “AR by Grade Level.” You are at the right level when you earn around 80% on the quizzes.

9. What happens if I can’t pass the AR tests?
   Your teacher will meet with you to discuss the situation. Together you will look at books at the lower end of your reading zone and select a book for which you miss three or fewer words on the five-finger test.

10. How often should I be reading?
    You should be reading at least 30-60 minutes a day.