What is Accelerated Reading?
A plain-English guide for parents
The basics
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a reading program used by schools to encourage independent reading. Students read books, then take a short quiz on a school computer to earn points. The more they read - and the harder the books - the more points they earn.
Most schools set a quarterly points goal for each student. Hitting the goal often earns a reward: a certificate, a prize, or recognition in class.
What does the AR level mean?
Every book in the AR program has a reading level - a number like 4.8 or 6.2. This is called the ATOS score, and it works like a grade level: 4.8 means roughly 4th grade, 8th month.
The score is calculated from the book's average sentence length, word length, and word difficulty. A book with long sentences and complex vocabulary scores higher. A book with short sentences and simple words scores lower.
AR levels are not the same as Lexile scores, DRA levels, or Guided Reading levels - each system uses a different formula and scale.
What are AR points?
Points are based mostly on word count. A short picture book might be worth 0.5 points. A long novel like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is worth 12 points. Twilight is 18 points.
Students only earn points if they pass the quiz - so reading the book matters. Most quizzes are 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, character, and setting.
What is ZPD?
ZPD stands for Zone of Proximal Development - a range of AR levels that represents your child's independent reading ability. A typical ZPD might look like 3.5–5.0.
Books within the ZPD are challenging enough to build skills but not so hard they become frustrating. Books well below the ZPD are too easy to earn full credit. Books well above it are too difficult to read independently.
Your child's teacher sets the ZPD based on a short reading test at the start of the year. It gets updated as they improve.
What is interest level?
Interest level is separate from reading level. It tells you the appropriate age group for a book's content - not how hard it is to read.
This matters most for reluctant readers. A 5th grader reading at a 3rd grade level still needs books with MG content - not picture books - or they'll feel embarrassed.
How do I find the right books?
Start with your child's ZPD range from their teacher. Then browse by grade level, theme, or author to find books they'll actually want to read. The reading level matters, but so does interest - a book a kid is excited about gets read; one they find boring doesn't.
Accelerated Reader® is a registered trademark of Renaissance Learning, Inc. arbooklist is not affiliated with Renaissance Learning.