Jesus loves us!

© 2006 Sacred Heart School. 

All rights reserved. 

Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas

AR Goals Information

Goals & Expectations How to Earn Points Common Problems

AR Goals and Expectations:

Each fifth grade student will take the computerized STAR reading test three times: in August, December/January, and May. These tests will be used to help determine the student's independent reading level, track reading comprehension development, and accurately place students in a reading range for Accelerated Reader (AR) book choice and goals.

Reading ranges are set up to give students the opportunity to practice reading on their own at a level that will allow them to successfully understand what they have read, as well as increase their reading comprehension and vocabulary recognition. Generally, students should read books in all parts of their reading range. Start near the middle of the reading range; if the AR test shows less than 80% comprehension, then choose books that are less difficult. If AR test scores are consistently in the 90%-100% range, choose more challenging reading material to improve reading ability.

Each student will be given an individualized set of four goals per school quarter. The goals will include an average percent-correct goal, an average minimum book level goal, a certification goal, and to pass (70% or better) at least one AR test each month. The goals are chosen based on the student's STAR test scores (checked against previous STAR and AR performance). Average percent-correct goals are generally set at 85%. The average minimum book level goal corresponds to the lowest book level in the child's reading range. Certification goals are set based on the student's previous performance, reading level, and criteria that are individulized to each certificate available in the AR program. Finally, monthly AR tests ensure that children are continuing to successfully practice reading independently. These may also be books that students use for their monthly class book reports.

Fifth grade students are expected to read a minimum total of 60 minutes per week in their AR book. Generally, as a teacher, I will schedule class time to read AR books for 20 minutes one day per week. This leaves 10-15 minutes per school night and over the weekend that are the student's responsibility to read outside of class time.

Students keep a written record at school that tracks the books they read, number of pages, book levels, and point values. Each time a student takes an AR test, the results are recorded in the written record, and a printed report is sent home for parents to view. Parents are also welcome to come into the classroom after school to view their children's written records.

Students should begin reading and testing on AR books as soon as school starts, based on their AR range from the end of the previous school year. Books that have been read and tested on the AR system in previous school years will not be available for a student to "test again" to earn points for the current school year.


How to earn AR Points:

Take the AR test for the first time at school. (Check early on that this will be available.) School library books and classroom library books are marked with their AR levels.

You may check the list of all books that currently have AR tests offered by the AR company (as well as their book levels and point values) by going online to Renaissance Learning Home Connect and logging into your AR account. Look up the title or author that you are interested in to see if it is offered.

NOTE: If the book does NOT have an AR test available from the AR program company at all, it is not eligible for earning AR points.

If you want to practice first, try taking a similar test on your book using the online program "Book Adventure". Your parents may choose to set up a home account for you to practice and earn non-AR points toward Book Adventure prizes. Please note, these are not the same as AR tests and do NOT count for AR points, but they can help you prepare for your AR test.

Book Adventure website address: http://www.bookadventure.com/index.asp


Common Problems Students Encounter:

  • Student attempts to re-test on a book read during a previous year. (Not allowed without special teacher permission - rarely granted; no points awarded.)
  • Student "hops" from book to book for several days or weeks in a row and fails to complete a book in a timely manner. (Student does not meet his/her goals due to lack of testing.)
  • Student attempts to test on a book after watching a movie. (Usually causes a failing score; results: no points, no opportunity to take the test after actually reading the book, and lowers the student's average percent correct score.)
  • Student attempts to test on a book that is not offered by the AR company. (Not allowed; no points awarded.)
  • Student attempts to test on a book without actually reading the entire book carefully. (Usually causes a failing score; results: no points, no opportunity to take the test after actually reading the book, and lowers the student's average percent correct score.)
  • Student does not use silent reading time in class well, and/or does not read at home, so fails to complete a book in a timely manner. (Student does not meet his/her goals due to lack of testing.)
  • Student attempts to read and test on many books within the last week of the quarter, due to lack of reading throughout the quarter. (Usually causes failing scores; results: no points, no opportunity to take the tests after actually reading the books, and greatly lowers the student's average percent correct score.)