Accelerated Reader (AR) is a software assessment tool used to determine reading comprehension. It is distributed by Renaissance Learning. AR should only be used as a supplemental tool in reading instruction. Books are rated on a grade level. For instance, the book “Superfudge” is on a 3.4 level. This translates to “third grade, fourth month”. The key component to remember is that books are assigned a reading comprehension level. This level does not relate to interest. For example, the book “The Catcher in the Rye” is on a 4.7 grade level. This would indicate it is on a reading comprehension level appropriate for a fourth grader in the seventh month of school. Would I allow a fourth grader to read this book? Absolutely not! It is highly inappropriate with questionable material throughout. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” is another example of a book with a lower reading level that is inappropriate for its reading level (3.6). It is up to the parent to determine what books are appropriate for their readers. Let me reiterate, AR will only tell you the reading comprehension level. It will not tell you an interest level.
Determination of a reading level is basically a computer formula based on three blocks of 150 words. (one block from the beginning, middle, end) Obviously, this can cause quite a variance in reading level in similar books.
In addition to the reading level, each book is assigned a certain number of points. “Superfudge” is worth 4 points. The points indicate the number of syllables in the book. A picture book will typically be worth 0.5 points. “War and Peace” is worth 118 points. Students are given tests related to the content of the book. There will be a certain number of questions related to the point level. For instance, most picture books (0.5 points) will have 5 questions. Most chapter books will have 10 or 20 questions. All tests are multiple choice. Students will be given a percentage correct after taking the test. The given points are assigned from the percentage. For example, if a book is worth 10 points, they may take a test with 20 questions. Then, let’s say the student missed one question. they would receive 9.5 points.
Why should we use AR? AR has the ability to be a great motivational tool. It allows a teacher to see if a child has read a book. Many students love watching their points increase. At Forest Avenue, the school my children previously attended, each student was given a certain grade level and point level to attain each nine-weeks. At the end of their nine-weeks, they attended a special party if they achieved their goals. This was a huge motivation for my children. They are both driven and task-oriented. As a child, I struggled academically. However, a program like AR would have helped me because I’ve always been a strong reader. There are some students (though they’re in the minority) that detest AR. These are highly intelligent children that do not like the pressure of reading a book and taking a test on it. Unfortunately, these kids will eventually come to terms with reading for comprehension evaluation.
So, here’s the big question? Do I like AR? Well…. I really like most aspects of AR. I like concrete goals and achievements. So, when a teacher tells me my child has to read X number of books, X reading level and achieve a 90% average on those books, I’m on board! However, they key phrase is that AR is a supplemental tool. The best way to inspire reading is not through AR. Inspiration comes from strong teachers and supportive parents paired with quantity, quantity, quantity. What? No quality? Nope. I don’t care what grade level and points are in a book, if we don’t have interested students we will not have lifelong readers.
Can a school have a strong reading program with AR? Absolutely! As long as AR is kept as a supplemental tool, it can be a vital component of instilling lifelong readers.
Can a school have a strong reading program without AR? Absolutely! Teachers may have to come up with creative ways of measuring reading, but that’s ok. Teachers are a resourceful group and are fully up to the task.
My children are attending a school this year that doesn’t have AR. I will use the AR BookFinder site to determine grade level. I’m including the link below:
www.arbookfind.com
Happy Reading!
Susanne
Following are short summaries of the most common arguments made by researchers, teachers, parents, and students as to why using AR is counterproductive. Hence, The 18 Reasons Not to Use Accelerated Reader:
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