The Accelerated Reader program is available to all students in grades K-8.  Some teachers participate in AR with their classes, and others do not require participation.  The Accelerated Reader is a computerized reading management system designed to improve student reading and develop lifelong learners and critical thinkers.  Students earn points for each book they read by passing a quiz for that book in the computer lab in the Accelerated Reader program.  At the end of the school year, the top three point-earners in each class receive awards.  A bulletin board outside the library will record your child’s progress.  Each teacher moves students’ pieces on the board as they reach new point levels.

Finding Books on the AR Program

Each AR book in the school library has a blue dot on its spine label.  Inside the back cover of each book you will see “RL” (reading level) and a point value.  For example, “RL 3.7” means that the reading level for that book is third grade, seventh month.  “0.5 pt.” Would mean the book is worth ½ a point.  Each teacher sets a minimum reading level for the class.  Students will not be able to take quizzes on books below the classroom minimum level which is assigned by each teacher.  The full point value of the book is given if all the questions are answered correctly.  Partial credit is given if the score is at least 60%.  Please encourage your child to read carefully, because each quiz may be taken only once.  A computer monitor will be available after school to assist you with questions and to help students get started with the Accelerated Reader program.  A master list of Accelerated Reader books is currently available in our school library and at the Dundee, Algonquin, and Huntley libraries.

Taking Quizzes

AR quizzes may be taken during class time, at lunchtime or after school.  In grades K-1, parents may read books to their children at home or in the computer lab.  Generally, children in grades 2-8 must read the books themselves.  Once a child has started to take a quiz, the book must remain closed.  Please help your child stay honest.  Do not lead your child to the right answers.  When a quiz is finished, the report will print out.  Each quiz report shows the results of the current quiz as well as total points to date.

The library and computer lab will be open after school every day from 3:15 – 3:45 for parents and students to check out books, magazines, and CD’s.  There is no limit to the number of books that may be checked out at one time with parent permission.  Otherwise, students may have a maximum of 4 items checked out to his/her name at one time.

Classroom Minimum Reading Levels

K-  No minimum
1-  No minimum
2-  1.7
3-  2.6
4-  No minimum, but must be worth at least 1pt.
5-  3.5
6-  4.0
7-  4.0
8-  4.0