Reading Program

Computerized reading programs supplement a school's reading program.  Students select a book and after reading it take a test over the book. Tri County uses the Accelerated Reader Program. 

For the 2007-2008 school year we will have a subscription to Accelerated Reader (AR) Enterprise Edition.  It gives students access to over 100,000 quizzes.  We no longer have updated  printed list of AR titles in the school library or public library, because it would be too much to print off.  In order to see what quizzes your child can take, please visit the Renaissance Learning website below.  Just type in the title or author and search.  You can also do an advanced search for specific AR levels and much more. 

http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp

What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader is a computerized reading management program. It is a unique system for motivating children to read and for tracking achievement. Students select and read books of their choice and take computerized tests when they finish reading. Books and tests available at Tri County Schools range in reading level from emergent readers to eighth grade level. The program keeps track of all the tests taken and points earned for each participating student. The multiple-choice tests are made up of 5, 10, or 20 comprehension and recall questions. After completing the test, the student is shown how many questions were answered correctly. The program shows the answers for the questions missed and awards reading points to the student’s record.

Does research support using Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader gives students instant information and reinforcement for their efforts. By basing reading points on three standards (quantity, quality, and reading level), Accelerated Reader challenges students to achieve and supports a literature-based reading program. Many studies confirm the program’s positive impact on reading scores. Appropriate, independent goals must be set for each student-- goals which will motivate them to reach their highest potential. It is up to Tri County staff, students, and community to foster positive involvement in the program. The Accelerated Reader program is another opportunity for staff and parents to push the students to read beyond the classroom setting. The focus is on reading and celebrating!

How are student reading levels determined?

Student reading levels will be initially assessed and periodically updated using the STAR Reading program. This process will give teachers, students, and parents a good idea of the students’ reading level and Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD). The ZPD is a range of books levels. Students should try to choose books within their ZPD range, so that they are practicing reading with books that are "just right" for them, instead of those that are too easy or too challenging. Of course they may read books from outside their range for enjoyment, but most of their reading material should be within their range. (Nonfiction books should be selected .5 to 1.0 below their ZPD, because of difficulty with vocabulary, etc.) Students can find books on their level at the school or public library.

How will students at Tri County participate in the Accelerated Reader Program?

The AR program is accessible from any computer in the Tri County building. Each student has been issued an account and has access to the appropriate level tests purchased by our school. Staff members will be given training, and students will be receiving ongoing training, help, and testing opportunities in the classroom. Each time a student takes a test, the results will be maintained in the classroom computer. Students and classroom teachers will be able to review the student’s progress at any time by accessing their account.