A Guide for AR (Accelerated Reader)

Middle School

This is a step-by-step overview of the Accelerated Reader Program.  The goal of the program is to have students read independently, improve reading comprehension, and promote the importance of reading as a life-long skill.

  • The student will take a STAR reading test on the computer every fall, winter and spring.  This test has many different types of questions ranging from reading comprehension questions to identifying correct terminology such as theme.  This test will give the student a book level range that they can read from.  The book level is NOT a grade level.  For instance, a book level of 4.7 does not mean that this is a 4th grade book.
  • The student will have a folder that has their book range on it.  It also has the score they earned on the STAR test. They will record their test score on a pink sheet every time they take the test. This sheet will be kept in their folder.
  • The student will then find a book in their book range.  The book range allows the student to read books that are challenging but not too difficult.  Teacher discretion may be used to assist students for book range.  They can use the school library, the public library, or an e-book.  It does not have to be a book in our library.  There are over 130,000 books in the program. The following website can assist you in finding books in this program. http://www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx
  • The student will also have a point goal for each trimester.  The goal is determined by their score on the STAR test.  As the years go on, the student and teacher work together to determine the goal for each trimester.
  • The tests are taken on the computer during school time.  
  • The scores they earn on the AR tests do go in the gradebook for language arts. Teacher discretion will be used on retakes and may be in a different format.
  • Each time they take a STAR test their book level can change.  We do always take the highest score the student has ever earned for their book level.
  • Students earn CPU Money for points earned reading.  We have an AR store where they can purchase items.