Accelerated Reader works by guiding children to books that are the right level of challenge for them; helping ensure they can comfortably access what they are reading independently, but also have room to grow and progress in their reading ability. To find books that are the right level of challenge for them, the programme includes an assessment called Star Reading. These assessments are conducted within school under test conditions to help children concentrate and get an accurate result for them. 

What is Star Reading? 

Star Reading is an online assessment used to determine a child’s English reading level. It is a computer-based reading assessment program that is computer adaptive and will adapt to your child. This means the questions will get harder as they answer correctly. If the response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If they cannot answer a question, or answer incorrectly, the difficulty level is reduced. The test uses multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 20-30 minutes. 

What is Accelerated Reader? 

AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor a child’s independent reading practice. Children pick a book that falls within their ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) level. When they have finished reading, they take a short quiz on the computer - passing the quiz is an indication that the child has understood what has been read. If they are reading at the recommended level for them, then most children are likely to be successful and enjoy the books and quizzes. Best of all they learn and grow at their own pace.